PARALLEL STRUCTURE 1 LISTS PARALLEL STRUCTURE 1 LISTS

PARALLEL STRUCTURE

#1: LISTS

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #1: LISTS Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader. Specifically, series occur in sentences when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or compare two ideas. Today, we will focus on LISTS. Parallel Structure with Lists When creating a list. . . each item on the list should start the same way. all verbs should be in the same tense. all nouns should be either singular or plural. If one item has description, then they all should. Example Incorrect: Lisa is a talented dancer, a great singer, and juggles. Correct: Lisa is a talented dancer, a great singer, and an accomplished juggler.

INSTRUCTIONS: CORRECT THE PARALLEL STRUCTURE PROBLEMS IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES. 1. Eduardo hopes to get a job, to save some money, and buying a car next summer is a goal for him. 2. Volleyball, to swim, and tennis are my favorite sports. 3. Celine looked behind the toilet, in the laundry basket, and checked under the bed for her nine-foot python, Squeeze. 4. Spiders that bite, hissing snakes, and squealing rodents fill the aquariums in Desmond’s basement. 5. Edgar’s car is always clean, polished, and it is well-maintained. 6. It began with a fight among creatures from Jupiter, Venus, and Martians. 7. Brunhilda’s hobbies consist of eating a lot, napping all the time, screaming, and to cry. 8. Marissa stopped at the grocery store, the bank, and ran to the library. 9. The Production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner. 10. Unicorns need to be groomed, fed, watered, and clean their rainbows.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #1: LISTS ANSWERS (1 POINT PER CORRECTLY FIXED SENTENCE) 1. Eduardo hopes to get a job, to save some money, and to buy a car by next summer. 2. Volleyball, swimming, and tennis are my favorite sports. 3. Celine looked behind the toilet, in the laundry basket, and underneath the bed for her nine-foot python, Squeeze. 4. Biting spiders, hissing snakes, and squealing rodents fill the aquariums in Desmond’s basement. 5. Edgar’s car is always cleaned, polished, and well-maintained.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #1: LISTS ANSWERS (1 POINT PER CORRECTLY FIXED SENTENCE) 1. It began with a fight among creatures from Jupiter, Venus, and Mars. 2. Brunhilda’s hobbies consist of eating a lot, napping all the time, screaming at the top of her lungs, and crying like a baby. 3. Marissa stopped at the grocery store, the bank, and the library. 4. The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly. 5. Unicorns need their hair groomed, their stomachs fed, their mouths watered, and their rainbows cleaned.

#2: PAIRED IDEAS

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #2: PAIRED IDEAS Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader. Specifically, series occur in sentences when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or compare two ideas. Today, we will focus on PAIRED IDEAS. Parallel Structure with Paired Ideas Similar to parallelism in a list, but you’re only joining two ideas. When pairing two ideas. . . the words should be of equal rank. i. e. both words are verbs, nouns, adjectives, etc. all verbs and nouns should be in the same tense. description should be used with both items (if it’s used). Paired ideas occur with conjunctions Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS) Correlative conjunctions (Both. . . and, either. . . or, whether. . . or, neither. . . nor, not. . . but, not only. . . but also ) Example Incorrect: Attaining a college degree is neither cheap nor will it be easy. Correct: Attaining a college degree is neither cheap nor easy.

INSTRUCTIONS: CORRECT THE PARALLEL STRUCTURE PROBLEMS IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES. 1. The instructor carefully explained how to start the engine and shifting gears. 2. He is both the team’s pacesetter and leading. 3. Justin Bieber loves picking sunflowers and to eat lollipops. 4. My dog is both faithful and helps me. 5. My teacher thought that my supporting evidence was strong but she also thought that my weakness was my introduction. 6. When the investigator took over, he started his investigation by calling the witnesses back and requested that they repeat their stories. 7. Gwendolyn Brooks, who is a poet and she writes novels, is a great writer! 8. Everyone agreed that her song was pretty and cleverly. 9. She will not admit it nor will she be apologizing. 10. She performs with grace and is confident.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #2: PAIRED IDEAS (1 POINT PER CORRECTLY FIXED SENTENCE) 1. The instructor carefully explained how to start the engine and how to shift gears. 2. He is both the team’s pacesetter and leader. 3. Justin Bieber loves picking sunflowers and eating lollipops. 4. My dog is both faithful and helpful. 5. My teacher thought that my supporting evidence was strong but that my introduction was weak.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #2: PAIRED IDEAS (1 POINT PER CORRECTLY FIXED SENTENCE) 1. When the investigator took over, he started his investigation by calling the witnesses back and requesting they repeat their stories. 2. Gwendolyn Brooks, who is a poet and novelist, is a great writer! 3. Everyone agreed that her song was pretty and clever. 4. She will not admit it nor will she apologize. 5. She performs with grace and confidence.

#3: COMPARISONS Using “than” or “as”

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #3: COMPARISONS Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader. Specifically, series occur in sentences when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or compare two ideas. Today, we will focus on COMPARISONS. Parallel Structure with Comparisons When making a comparison using “than” or “as, ” the construction also needs to be parallel. All of the previous rules apply here as well. Example Incorrect: Getting the model airplane off the ground was even harder than to build it from a kit. Correct: Getting the model airplane off the ground was even harder than building it from a kit.

INSTRUCTIONS: CORRECT THE PARALLEL STRUCTURE PROBLEMS IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES. 1. A trip to the zoo is much better than visiting the dentist. 2. Strawberries are just as tasty as freshly picked blueberries. 3. I have always enjoyed reading the book more than to watch the movie. 4. Many companies are reducing their labor force as well as eliminate some employee benefits. 5. The mayor noted that agreeing to the new budget was easier than to attempt to veto it. 6. Informing himself about the issue seemed just as important as to vote on it. 7. James enjoys reading on his own more than to write. 8. Some students prefer researching and reading more than the write-up. 9. The little girl liked making cookies better than to go swimming at her grandmother’s house. 10. Sharon’s grade point average is much higher than her brother.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #3: COMPARISONS (1 POINT PER CORRECTLY FIXED SENTENCE) 1. A trip to the zoo is much better than a trip to the dentist. 2. Store bought strawberries are just as tasty as freshly picked blueberries. 3. I have always enjoyed reading the book more than watching the movie. 4. Many companies are reducing their labor force as well as eliminating some employee benefits. 5. The mayor noted that agreeing to the new budget was easier than attempting to veto it.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #3: COMPARISONS (1 POINT PER CORRECTLY FIXED SENTENCE) 1. Informing himself about the issue seemed just as important as voting on it. 2. James enjoys reading on his own more than writing under any circumstances. 3. Some students prefer researching and reading more than the writing. 4. The little girl liked making cookies better than swimming at her grandmother’s house. 5. Sharon’s grade point average is much higher than her brother’s grade point average.

#4: MORE PRACTICE #1

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #4: MORE PRACTICE 1 Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader. Specifically, series occur in sentences when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or compare two ideas. Proofreading for Parallel Structure Look for conjunctions. Parallel Structure cannot happen without conjunctions. FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) Word Pairs (neither/nor, either/or, whether/or, not only/but also, both/and) “Than” or “As” Listen to the sound when you are linking or comparing similar elements. Do they balance by sounding alike? Parallelism often adds emphasis by the repetition of similar sounds. Visualize similar elements in a list. Check to see that the elements begin in the same way.

INSTRUCTIONS: CORRECT THE PARALLEL STRUCTURE PROBLEMS IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES. 1. He put the model together neatly, accurately, and with a great deal of skill. 2. The song told a tragic story, had a haunting refrain, and moves the audience. 3. Boris is both a clever mimic and performs magic tricks. 4. At the garden store, Larissa bought plastic pink flamingos, ceramic gnomes, and added a concrete mermaid to her cart. 5. I’ve looked everywhere for my keys—in the living room, in the kitchen, and my bedroom was searched. 6. I saw a movie that was interesting and a real thrill to watch. 7. When my dad saw my report card, he gave me money, let me go to the movies, and calls my grandparents. 8. Toxic chemicals pollute the land are infiltrating ground water. 9. Stephen King’s book reviews were as positive as Asimov.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #4: MORE PRACTICE 1 (1 POINT PER CORRECTLY FIXED SENTENCE) 1. He put the model together neatly, accurately, and skillfully. 2. The song told a tragic story, had a haunting refrain, and moved the audience. 3. Boris is both a clever mimic and a skillful magician. 4. At the garden store, Larissa bought plastic pink flamingos, ceramic gnomes, and a concrete mermaid. 5. I’ve looked everywhere for my keys—in the living room, in the kitchen, and in my bedroom.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #4: MORE PRACTICE 1 (1 POINT PER CORRECTLY FIXED SENTENCE) 1. I saw a movie that was interesting and thrilling. 2. When my dad saw my report card, he gave me money, let me go to the movies, and called my grandparents. 3. Toxic chemicals pollute the land infiltrate ground water. 4. Stephen King’s book reviews were as positive as Asimov’s book reviews. 5. My favorite fruits are bananas, oranges, and peaches.

#5: MORE PRACTICE #2

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #5: MORE PRACTICE 2 Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader. Specifically, series occur in sentences when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or compare two ideas. Proofreading for Parallel Structure Look for conjunctions. Parallel Structure cannot happen without conjunctions. FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) Word Pairs (neither/nor, either/or, whether/or, not only/but also, both/and) “Than” or “As” Listen to the sound when you are linking or comparing similar elements. Do they balance by sounding alike? Parallelism often adds emphasis by the repetition of similar sounds. Visualize similar elements in a list. Check to see that the elements begin in the same way.

INSTRUCTIONS: CORRECT THE PARALLEL STRUCTURE PROBLEMS IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES. 1. She needed to know what the problem was, how to find information on it, and determining if the sources were reliable. 2. Fatima’s knowledge of accounting is greater than Farah. 3. Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle. 4. The legislative committee not only decided to review the research but also decided on inviting expert testimony. 5. Our final project must include three interviews, one book review, and have us prepare a class presentation. 6. Uncle Solomon not only flies planes but also when they need to be fixed. 7. Every night before bedtime, Ivy reads a book, singing a song, and says a prayer. 8. Trevor has a reputation for playing basketball aggressively but unselfish. 9. Carol is not only very talented, but she is also acting kindly to everyone. 10. As he worked on his essay, the student was thorough, hard-working, and thought about the issues.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #5: MORE PRACTICE 2 (1 POINT PER CORRECTLY FIXED SENTENCE) 1. She needed to know what the problem was, how to find information on it, and how to determine the reliability of the sources. 2. Fatima’s knowledge of accounting is greater than Farah’s knowledge of accounting. 3. Mary likes hiking in the mountains, swimming at the lake, and riding a bicycle to work. 4. The legislative committee not only decided to review the research and but also decided to invite expert testimony. 5. Our final project must include three interviews, one book review, and a class presentation.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #5: MORE PRACTICE 2 (1 POINT PER CORRECTLY FIXED SENTENCE) 1. Uncle Solomon not only flies planes but also fixes them when needed. 2. Every night before bedtime, Ivy reads a book, sings a song, and says a prayer. 3. Trevor has a reputation for playing basketball aggressively but unselfishly. 4. Carol is not only very talented, but she is also very kind to everyone. 5. As he worked on his essay, the student was thorough, hard-working, and thoughtful.

#6: MORE PRACTICE #3

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #6: MORE PRACTICE 3 Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader. Specifically, series occur in sentences when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or compare two ideas. Proofreading for Parallel Structure Look for conjunctions. Parallel Structure cannot happen without conjunctions. FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) Word Pairs (neither/nor, either/or, whether/or, not only/but also, both/and) “Than” or “As” Listen to the sound when you are linking or comparing similar elements. Do they balance by sounding alike? Parallelism often adds emphasis by the repetition of similar sounds. Visualize similar elements in a list. Check to see that the elements begin in the same way.

INSTRUCTIONS: CORRECT THE PARALLEL STRUCTURE PROBLEMS IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES. 1. It will be faster to go this way than going that way. 2. The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and his motivation was low. 3. Swimming, jogging, and exercise in a gym improve a person’s health. 4. Brooks has been named “Woman of the Year” and winning the Pulitzer Prize. 5. The creatures from Jupiter wanted resources, to expand their territory, and to conquer the universe. 6. Her writing is moving, interesting, and it makes you think. 7. Literature classes teach students to analyze texts, think critically, and have better writing 8. The Athenians were intelligent, kind, and with a lot of courage. 9. Her family encourages and is supportive of her interest in performing. 10. To choose sides, helping their allies, and deciding the final outcomes was up to the Venusians.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #6: MORE PRACTICE 3 (1 POINT PER CORRECTLY FIXED SENTENCE) 1. It will be faster to go this way than to go that way. 2. The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and lacked motivation when challenged. 3. Swimming, jogging, and exercising improve a person’s health. 4. Brooks has been named “Woman of the Year” and has won the Pulitzer Prize. 5. The creatures from Jupiter wanted to gather resources, to expand their territory, and to conquer the universe.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE #6: MORE PRACTICE 3 (1 POINT PER CORRECTLY FIXED SENTENCE) 1. Her writing is moving, interesting, and thought-provoking. 2. Literature classes teach students to analyze texts, think critically, and improve writing. 3. The Athenians were intelligent, kind, and courageous. 4. Her family encourages and supports her interest in performing. 5. Choosing sides, helping their allies, and deciding the final outcomes was up to the Venusians.