Parallel Structure

True or False: A sentence with parallel structure reads more smoothly and is easier to follow.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Parallel structure helps in creating a rhythm and balance in writing, making it easier to read and understand.

Complete the sentence: Lily enjoys hiking, swimming, and ______.

• biking

• to bike

• biked

• bikes

Answer explanation

Hiking, swimming, and biking are all gerunds, creating a parallel structure.

Choose the sentence with correct parallel structure:

• She likes to read, to jog, and going to the beach.

• She likes reading, jogging, and going to the beach.

• She likes to read, jogging, and to go to the beach.

• She likes reading, to jog, and go to the beach.

Answer explanation

All elements in the list are gerunds, maintaining parallel structure.

True or False: Parallel structure can only be used in lists.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Parallel structure can be used in various sentence constructions, including lists, comparisons, and paired ideas.

Complete the sentence: The teacher asked us to write essays that are thoughtful, well-organized, and ______.

• creative

• creatively

• creativity

• having creativity

Answer explanation

The adjectives 'thoughtful' and 'well-organized' are complemented by 'creative' to maintain parallel structure.

Which sentence uses correct parallel structure?

• My dog loves to bark, play, and running in the park.

• My dog loves to bark, to play, and running in the park.

• My dog loves barking, playing, and running in the park.

• My dog loves to barking, playing, and to run in the park.

Answer explanation

All items in the list are gerunds, maintaining parallel structure.

Complete the sentence: To improve your writing, focus on clarity, consistency, and ______.

• conciseness

• to be concise

• concise

• concisely

Answer explanation

The nouns 'clarity' and 'consistency' are complemented by 'conciseness' to maintain parallel structure.

True or False: In a sentence, using 'neither...nor' requires parallel structure.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

'Neither...nor' constructions require parallelism to ensure clarity and consistency in the sentence.

Complete the sentence: Jamie plans to visit the museum, stroll through the park, and ______.

• having lunch at a café

• lunch at a café

• to have lunch at a café

• have lunch at a café

Answer explanation

The verbs 'visit', 'stroll', and 'have' are in parallel structure as base forms.

Which sentence maintains parallel structure?

• We need to wash the car, vacuum the floor, and to feed the cat.

• We need washing the car, vacuuming the floor, and to feed the cat.

• We need to wash the car, vacuum the floor, and feed the cat.

• We need to washing the car, vacuum the floor, and feeding the cat.

Answer explanation

All verbs are in the base form, maintaining parallel structure.