Parallel Structure

Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. 

• Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and she has an extremely pleasant personality.
• Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and personality.

Which example shows correct parallel structure?

• Recommended exercise includes to run, to swim, and cycling.

• Recommended exercise includes running, swimming, and cycling.

• Recommended exercise includes running, swimming, and to cycle.

• Recommended exercise includes running, to swim, and cycling.

Replace the underlined portion of the sentence with a choice that creates a parallel structure.

There are two ways to get a promotion: working hard or make friends in high places.

• to working hard

• work hard

• no change

• worked hard

Replace the underlined portion of the sentence with a choice that creates a parallel structure.

Learning a new language as an adult is more difficult than to learn one as a child.

• learning

• to learning

• learned

• no change

We looked everywhere for the car keys--under the sofa cushions, _______, and on the counters and tabletops. All along, Andrew had them in the front pocket of his jeans!

• our search included the trash can

• searching for them in the trash can

• in the trash can

• we searched for them in the trash can

Complete each question by choosing the expression which makes the sentence parallel.

*Volcanoes have inspired both fascination and ________.

• people feared them throughout history

• fear in people throughout history

Complete each question by choosing the expression which makes the sentence parallel.

*This fear is caused partially by our lack of understanding of the causes of volcanoes and___________.

• partially by our own inability to control them

• partially because we are unable to control them

Which of the following sentences has correct parallel structure?

• Sleeping, eating, and teach are my favorite things.

• Sleep, food, and to teach are my favorite things.

• I like to sleep, eating, and teach.

• Sleeping, eating, and teaching are my favorite things.

I have traveled by bus, by train, and by subway, but never by boat.

• PARALLEL

• NOT PARALLEL

The advertisement claims that this toothpaste kills more germs and prevents more cavities than any other toothpaste.

• PARALLEL

• NOT PARALLEL