SLO Part II Parallel Structure

Which sentence has an error in parallel structure?

• Why don't you just sit down, shut up, and let someone else take over the meeting?

• The director was looking for a girl who could do action, comedy, and romance--preferably all at the same time.

• Jane could never understand why her boyfriend left, why he didn't leave a note, and why she could never keep a boyfriend.

• Whenever Mary cooks cookies, she also eats half the dough, scalds the bottoms of the cookies, and she never cleans up her mess.

Which sentence has an error in parallel structure?

• Sherri didn't want the party to be too fancy so she just cooked up hot dogs, chips, and cokes

• All of the camp counselors are trained to be buddies, disciplinarians, life-savers, and spiritual leaders.

• You are not allowed on the dance floor unless you are a dancer, the choreographer, or you take photographs.

• The reasons for why I need a new pair of shoes are manifold: they leak, they have stains, and they are too small.

Which sentence fails to use correct parallel structure?

• The teacher reminded his kids that one should not judge others too harshly, too often, or too much.

• In an effort to balance the budget, the governor slashed taxes, fired many state employees, and took a cut in pay.

• Every day, Mrs. Lee reads her favorite blogs: Moms Who Want More, Being a Better Mommy, and Trouble-shooting Parenting.

• I don't know which is irritating me more right now: the ringing phone, the crying baby, or the dog that won't stop begging at my feet.

Which sentence fails to use correct parallel structure?

• Please show respect by standing, being silent, and listening carefully to the speaker.

• The bus that broke down was filled with expectant mothers, babies, and a few smaller children.

• The teacher said we could use newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias, or websites for our research.

• If you want to train well, you need to work on your rowing, hiking, biking, and of course you need to run more.

Which sentence fails to use correct parallel structure?

• The dentist told the classroom of kindergarteners that they each needed to floss, brush, and rinse daily.

• The boat was indeed expensive, but with it, the family could ski, fish, or just swim far out on the lake.

• I'm not sure what's wrong with my computer--it's starting to beep, it's getting slower, and it's getting really warm.

• Do not attempt to do these stunts at home unless you are a professional, you have experience biking, and the paramedics are not far away.

Which statement is written correctly?

• When Rod brought his laptop to the repair department, he complained that his computer was beeping loudly, blacking out frequently, and heating up dangerously

• When Rod brought his laptop to the repair department, he complained that his computer was beeping loudly, it would black out frequently, and heats up dangerously.

• When Rod brought his laptop to the repair department, he complained that his computer was beeping loudly, it would black out frequently, and heating up dangerously.

• When Rod brought his laptop to the repair department, he complained that his computer was beeping loudly, it would black out frequently, and it heats up dangerously.

Which statement is written correctly?

• A first year medical resident can expect a grueling year of experiences such as no sleep for weeks, to study every free minute of time, and to practice new medical procedures under close, strict supervision.

• A first year medical resident can expect a grueling year of experiences such as lacking sleep for weeks, study every free minute of time, and practicing new medical procedures under close, strict supervision.

• A first year medical resident can expect a grueling year of experiences such as lacking sleep for weeks, study every free minute of time, and to practice new medical procedures under close, strict supervision.

• A first year medical resident can expect a grueling year of experiences such as lacking sleep for weeks, studying every free minute of time, and practicing new medical procedures under close, strict supervision.

Which choice contains both correct use of parallel structure and proper placement of commas?

• I wanted to be quick, thorough, precise, and correct.

• I wanted, to be quick, thorough, precise, and correct.

• I wanted to be quick, thorough, precise, and not to make errors.

• I wanted, to be quick, thorough, precise, and not to make errors.

Which choice does NOT display proper placement of commas and correct use of parallel structure?

• "I came, I saw, I conquered," the man told me.

• My best friend, my sister, and my niece came to the party.

• When they saw the accident, the crowd chattered, whispered, and pointed.

• The children's favorite recreational activities were swimming, biking, and to boat.

Select the choice which displays proper use of a semicolon.

• No matter what anyone else thinks; I happen to like this movie.

• However calm he may have looked; he was a nervous wreck on the inside.

• Here is what you must bring to the game; binoculars, a sandwich, and a drink.

• I thought I saw a skeleton in the woods; it turned out to be just a network of branches and vines.