Parallel Structure

Which one is parallel?

• I like to cook, to write, and read.

• I like to cook, write, and read

Which one is parallel?

• Susan left early to pick up her children, to take them to the doctor's, and to meet her mother.

• Susan left early to pick up her children, take them to the doctor's, and to meet her mother.

Read the sentence below. Then decide whether or not it contains an error in parallel structure.

Pancakes dripping with syrup, coffee steaming in big mugs, and bacon frying on the stove make breakfast at Grandma’s house a real treat.

• Yes! This sentence has an error!

• No! This sentence is error free!

Read the sentence below. Then decide whether or not it contains an error in parallel structure.

Le’Ron scowled at Professor Nguyen, was muttering under his breath, and sighed heavily, but in truth he loved taking algebra exams.

• Yes! This sentence has an error!

• No! This sentence is error free!

Read the sentence below. Then decide whether or not it contains an error in parallel structure.

Skipping the directions, hurrying to finish first, and neglecting to recheck her work have caused Claudia to fail every calculus exam this semester.

• Yes! This sentence has an error!

• No! This sentence is error free!

Which of the following sentences is NOT parallel?

• Aaron likes old movies, pop music, and amusement parks.

• Aaron reads often, is a frequent movie watcher, and pop music fan.

• Aaron reads books but does not read magazines.

• Last weekend, Aaron watched a couple movies, read a book, and went to a concert.

Which of the following sentences is NOT parallel?

• In class, LaKita is quiet, attentive, and hard working.

• In class, Lakita sits quietly and attentively.

• In class, Lakita sits quietly, pays attention, and works hard.

• In class, Lakita is quiet, attentive, and works hard.

Which of the choices below is the best revision of the following sentence for parallel structure?

Neither the person in charge of designing the building nor the landscaper likes the idea.

• Neither the architect nor the person doing the landscaping likes the idea.

• Neither the building's architect nor the person doing the landscaping likes the idea.

• Neither the architect nor the landscaper likes the idea.

• The person in charge of designing the building and the landscaper dislike the idea.

Which of the choices below is the best revision of the following sentence for parallel structure?

The city needs a mayor who is compassionate, thinks practically, and is full of honesty.

• The city needs a mayor who is compassionate, does things in a practical, and conducts business honestly.

• The city needs a mayor who is compassionate, practical, and honest.

• The city needs a mayor who acts compassionately, is practical, and honest.

• The city needs a mayor with compassionate, practicality, and is honest.

Which of the choices below is the best revision of the following sentence for parallel structure?

Police officers, people who teach, and leaders of the community were all invited to the conference.

• Police officers, teachers, and leaders of the community were all invited to the conference.

• Officers from the police department, people who teach, and community leaders were all invited to the conference.

• Police officers, teachers, and community leaders were all invited to the conference.

• Police officers, people who teach, and community leaders were all invited to the conference.