Parallel Structure SAT Prep

​Digital SAT

Grammar Section

Lesson 11

​Parallel Lists

​Parallel lists refer to a writing technique in which items in a list or series follow the same grammatical structure. This ensures that the sentence flows smoothly and clearly, making it easier to read and understand. Each item in the list should be of the same part of speech and maintain the same form to achieve parallelism.

Non-parallel: She likes reading, to swim, and jogging.

Parallel: She likes reading, swimming, and jogging.


In the parallel example, all items in the list (reading, swimming, jogging) are in the gerund form, making the sentence more consistent and easier to read.

​Tips for Creating Parallel Lists

Identify the pattern: Determine the grammatical structure of the first item in the list and maintain that structure for the subsequent items.

Maintain the form: Use the same verb form, noun type, or adjective form for all items in the list.

Check for consistency: After creating the list, read it to ensure that each item follows the same pattern and makes the sentence coherent.

Practice

​Exercise 1: Identify Parallelism Errors

Identify and correct the errors in parallel structure in the following sentences:

1. She enjoys biking, to swim, and hiking.

2. The teacher asked us to read the chapter, writing an essay, and complete the worksheet.

3. He is responsible for organizing the event, sending out invitations, and to manage the schedule.

4. My favorite activities are playing soccer, watching movies, and to read books.

5. The committee needs to review the proposal, meeting with stakeholders, and prepare a report.

​Exercise 1:

1. She enjoys biking, swimming, and hiking.

2. The teacher asked us to read the chapter, write an essay, and complete the worksheet.

3. He is responsible for organizing the event, sending out invitations, and managing the schedule.

4. My favorite activities are playing soccer, watching movies, and reading books.

5. The committee needs to review the proposal, meet with stakeholders, and prepare a report.

​Exercise 2: Rewrite for Parallelism

Rewrite the following sentences to make them parallel:

1. The company aims to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improving customer satisfaction.

2. For the job, you need to be detail-oriented, you should work independently, and have strong communication skills.

3. She likes to dance, singing, and painting.

4. The project requires designing a website, creating content, and to manage social media accounts.

5. He enjoys reading books, watching documentaries, and to play video games.

​Exercise 2:

1. The company aims to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

2. For the job, you need to be detail-oriented, work independently, and have strong communication skills.

3. She likes dancing, singing, and painting.

4. The project requires designing a website, creating content, and managing social media accounts.

5. He enjoys reading books, watching documentaries, and playing video games.

​Exercise 3: Create Parallel Lists

Create a parallel list from the given prompts:

1. Activities for the weekend: (hiking, to swim, and fishing)

2. Qualities of a good leader: (being decisive, to communicate well, and honesty)

3. Items on a to-do list: (calling clients, to attend a meeting, and write a report)

4. Hobbies: (to play chess, reading novels, and drawing)

5. Goals for the year: (to learn a new language, travel to three countries, and saving more money)

​Exercise 3:

1. Activities for the weekend: hiking, swimming, and fishing.

2. Qualities of a good leader: being decisive, communicating well, and being honest.

3. Items on a to-do list: calling clients, attending a meeting, and writing a report.

4. Hobbies: playing chess, reading novels, and drawing.

5. Goals for the year: learning a new language, traveling to three countries, and saving more money.

​Parallel Comparisons

​Parallel comparisons refer to a grammatical structure in which elements being compared are presented in a parallel or similar form. This ensures clarity and consistency, making sentences easier to read and understand. When making comparisons, it's important to maintain the same grammatical structure on both sides of the comparison.

Whenever there is a comparison, make sure that the things being compared are equivalent.

Incorrect: ​The price of tomatoes is higher than potatoes.
Correct: The price of tomatoes is higher than the price of potatoes.
Other ways to structure comparisons:

Correct: The price of tomatoes is higher than that of potatoes.
Correct: The price of tomatoes is higher than potatoes' price
Correct: The price of tomatoes is higher than potatoes'.

Also: John runs faster than Tom does.

Practice