Parallel Structure

Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

• I like swimming, to jog, and biking.

• I like to swim, jog, and bike.

• I like swimming, jogging, and to bike.

• I like to swim, jogging, and biking.

Answer explanation

All elements in the list use the base form of the verb, maintaining parallel structure.

True or False: The sentence 'She enjoys reading, writing, and to draw.' uses parallel structure.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The sentence mixes verb forms; 'to draw' should be 'drawing' to match the gerund form.

Complete the sentence: The team needs to practice passing, shooting, and ______.

• dribble

• dribbling

• to dribble

• dribbled

Answer explanation

Using 'dribbling' ensures all elements are gerunds, maintaining parallel structure.

Which phrase best completes the sentence with parallel structure? 'The festival includes dancing, singing, and ______.'

• to eat food

• eating food

• food

• eats food

Answer explanation

All elements should be gerunds for parallel structure: dancing, singing, and eating.

Choose the sentence that uses parallel structure correctly:

• He wanted to learn karate, to play piano, and swimming.

• He wanted to learn karate, play piano, and swim.

• He wanted to learn karate, playing piano, and to swim.

• He wanted learning karate, play piano, and swimming.

Answer explanation

All elements use the infinitive form, maintaining parallel structure.

True or False: In the sentence 'She is not only smart but also hardworking,' parallel structure is used.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

'Not only' and 'but also' are used correctly to maintain parallel structure.

Complete the sentence with parallel structure: 'The students were excited about their trip, what they would see, and ______.'

• learning new things

• learn new things

• they learned new things

• to learn new things

Answer explanation

All elements should be noun phrases, maintaining parallel structure.

Which sentence lacks parallel structure?

• Liam likes to read books, watch movies, and play games.

• Emma is both talented and hardworking.

• We went to the park, played soccer, and ate lunch.

• She enjoys hiking, to bike, and swimming.

Answer explanation

The elements 'hiking' and 'swimming' are gerunds, but 'to bike' is an infinitive.

True or False: 'In the morning, I like to either run or swimming' uses parallel structure.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The sentence should use 'either run or swim' to maintain parallel structure.

Complete the sentence with parallel structure: 'The new video game is fun, challenging, and ______.'

• it is exciting

• exciting

• excited

• to excite

Answer explanation

All elements are adjectives, maintaining parallel structure: fun, challenging, and exciting.