Download Parallel Structure #1: Lists

________/85
Name: ______________________________________________________
Period: ________
Parallel Structure
Parallel Structure #1: Lists
_________/10
Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same
from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand
by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader.
Specifically, series occur in sentences when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or
compare two ideas. Today, we will focus on LISTS.
Parallel Structure with Lists
o When creating a list . . .
 each item on the list should start the same way.
 all verbs should be in the same tense.
 all nouns should be either singular or plural.
o If one item has description, then they all should.
Example
o Incorrect: Lisa is a talented dancer, a great singer, and juggles.
o Correct: Lisa is a talented dancer, a great singer, and an accomplished juggler.
Instructions: Correct the parallel structure problems in the following sentences.
1. Eduardo hopes to get a job, to save some money, and buying a car next summer is a goal for him.
2. Volleyball, to swim, and tennis are my favorite sports.
3. Celine looked behind the toilet, in the laundry basket, and checked under the bed for her nine-foot
python, Squeeze.
4. Spiders that bite, hissing snakes, and squealing rodents fill the aquariums in Desmond’s basement.
5. Edgar’s car is always clean, polished, and it is well-maintained.
6. It began with a fight among creatures from Jupiter, Venus, and Martians.
7. Brunhilda’s hobbies consist of eating a lot, napping all the time, screaming, and to cry.
8. Marissa stopped at the grocery store, the bank, and ran to the library.
9. The Production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner.
10. Unicorns need to be groomed, fed, watered, and clean their rainbows.
Parallel Structure #2: Paired Ideas
_________/10
Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same
from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand
by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader.
Specifically, series occur in sentences when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or
compare two ideas. Today, we will focus on PAIRED IDEAS.
Parallel Structure with Paired Ideas
o Similar to parallelism in a list, but you’re only joining two ideas.
o When pairing two ideas . . .
 the words should be of equal rank. i.e. both words are verbs, nouns, adjectives, etc.
 all verbs and nouns should be in the same tense.
 description should be used with both items (if it’s used).
o Paired ideas occur with conjunctions
 Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
 Correlative conjunctions (Both . . . and, either . . . or, whether . . . or, neither . . . nor,
not . . . but, not only . . . but also )
Example
o Incorrect: Attaining a college degree is neither cheap nor will it be easy.
o Correct: Attaining a college degree is neither cheap nor easy.
Instructions: Correct the parallel structure problems in the following sentences.
1. The instructor carefully explained how to start the engine and shifting gears.
2. He is both the team’s pacesetter and leading.
3. Justin Bieber loves picking sunflowers and to eat lollipops.
4. My dog is both faithful and helps me.
5. My teacher thought that my supporting evidence was strong but she also thought that my weakness
was my introduction.
6. When the investigator took over, he started his investigation by calling the witnesses back and
requested that they repeat their stories.
7. Gwendolyn Brooks, who is a poet and she writes novels, is a great writer!
8. Everyone agreed that her song was pretty and cleverly.
9. She will not admit it nor will she be apologizing.
10. She performs with grace and is confident.
Parallel Structure #3: Comparisons
_________/10
Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same
from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand
by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader.
Specifically, series occur in sentences when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or
compare two ideas. Today, we will focus on COMPARISONS.
Parallel Structure with Comparisons
o When making a comparison using “than” or “as,” the construction also needs to be parallel.
All of the previous rules apply here as well.
Example
o Incorrect: Getting the model airplane off the ground was even harder than to build it from a
kit.
o Correct: Getting the model airplane off the ground was even harder than building it from a kit.
Instructions: Correct the parallel structure problems in the following sentences.
1. A trip to the zoo is much better than visiting the dentist.
2. Strawberries are just as tasty as freshly picked blueberries.
3. I have always enjoyed reading the book more than to watch the movie.
4. Many companies are reducing their labor force as well as eliminate some employee benefits.
5. The mayor noted that agreeing to the new budget was easier than to attempt to veto it.
6. Informing himself about the issue seemed just as important as to vote on it. (Revised: …just as
important as voting on it.)
7. James enjoys reading on his own more than to write.
8. Some students prefer researching and reading more than the write-up. (Revised: …more than
writing.)
9. The little girl liked making cookies better than to go swimming at her grandmother’s house.
10. Sharon’s grade point average is much higher than her brother.
Parallel Structure #4: More Practice 1
_________/10
Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same
from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand
by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader. Specifically, series occur in sentences
when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or compare two ideas.
Proofreading for Parallel Structure
1. Look for conjunctions. Parallel Structure cannot happen without conjunctions.
 FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
 Word Pairs (neither/nor, either/or, whether/or, not only/but also, both/and)
 “Than” or “As”
2. Listen to the sound when you are linking or comparing similar elements. Do they balance by
sounding alike? Parallelism often adds emphasis by the repetition of similar sounds.
3. Visualize similar elements in a list. Check to see that the elements begin in the same way.
Instructions: Correct the parallel structure problems in the following sentences.
1. She needed to know what the problem was, how to find information on it, and determining if the
sources were reliable.
2. Fatima’s knowledge of accounting is greater than Farah.
3. Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
4. The legislative committee not only decided to review the research and but also decided on inviting
expert testimony.
5. Our final project must include three interviews, one book review, and have us prepare a class
presentation.
6. Uncle Solomon not only flies planes but also when they need to be fixed.
7. Every night before bedtime, Ivy reads a book, singing a song, and says a prayer.
8. Trevor has a reputation for playing basketball aggressively but unselfish.
9. Carol is not only very talented, but she is also acting kindly to everyone.
10. As he worked on his essay, the student was thorough, hard-working, and thought about the issues.
Parallel Structure #5: More Practice 2
_________/10
Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same
from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand
by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader. Specifically, series occur in sentences
when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or compare two ideas.
Proofreading for Parallel Structure
1. Look for conjunctions. Parallel Structure cannot happen without conjunctions.
 FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
 Word Pairs (neither/nor, either/or, whether/or, not only/but also, both/and)
 “Than” or “As”
2. Listen to the sound when you are linking or comparing similar elements. Do they balance by
sounding alike? Parallelism often adds emphasis by the repetition of similar sounds.
3. Visualize similar elements in a list. Check to see that the elements begin in the same way.
Instructions: Correct the parallel structure problems in the following sentences.
1. He put the model together neatly, accurately, and with a great deal of skill.
2. The song told a tragic story, had a haunting refrain, and moves the audience.
3. Boris is both a clever mimic and performs magic tricks.
4. At the garden store, Larissa bought plastic pink flamingos, ceramic gnomes, and added a concrete
mermaid to her cart.
5. I’ve looked everywhere for my keys—in the living room, in the kitchen, and my bedroom was
searched.
6. I saw a movie that was interesting and a real thrill to watch.
7. When my dad saw my report card, he gave me money, let me go to the movies, and calls my
grandparents.
8. Toxic chemicals pollute the land and are infiltrating ground water.
9. Stephen King’s book reviews were as positive as Asimov.
10. My favorite fruits are bananas, oranges, and I like peaches, too.
Parallel Structure #6: More Practice 3
_________/10
Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same
from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand
by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader. Specifically, series occur in sentences
when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or compare two ideas.
Proofreading for Parallel Structure
1. Look for conjunctions. Parallel Structure cannot happen without conjunctions.
 FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
 Word Pairs (neither/nor, either/or, whether/or, not only/but also, both/and)
 “Than” or “As”
2. Listen to the sound when you are linking or comparing similar elements. Do they balance by
sounding alike? Parallelism often adds emphasis by the repetition of similar sounds.
3. Visualize similar elements in a list. Check to see that the elements begin in the same way.
Instructions: Correct the parallel structure problems in the following sentences.
1. It will be faster to go this way than going that way.
2. The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the
exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and his motivation was low.
3. Swimming, jogging, and exercise in a gym improve a person’s health.
4. Brooks has been named “Woman of the Year” and winning the Pulitzer Prize.
5. The creatures from Jupiter wanted resources, to expand their territory, and to conquer the universe.
6. Her writing is moving, interesting, and it makes you think.
7. Literature classes teach students to analyze texts, think critically, and have better writing
8. The Athenians were intelligent, kind, and with a lot of courage.
9. Her family encourages and is supportive of her interest in performing.
10. To choose sides, helping their allies, and deciding the final outcomes was up to the Venusians.
Parallel Structure #7: More Practice 4
_________/15
Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same
from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand
by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader. Specifically, series occur in sentences
when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or compare two ideas.
Proofreading for Parallel Structure
4. Look for conjunctions. Parallel Structure cannot happen without conjunctions.
 FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
 Word Pairs (neither/nor, either/or, whether/or, not only/but also, both/and)
 “Than” or “As”
5. Listen to the sound when you are linking or comparing similar elements. Do they balance by
sounding alike? Parallelism often adds emphasis by the repetition of similar sounds.
6. Visualize similar elements in a list. Check to see that the elements begin in the same way.
Instructions: Rewrite the paragraph, correcting any errors in parallel structure.
Example: Marguerite has a great love for art, for children, and teaching.
Correction: Marguerite has a great love for art, for children, and for teaching.
Marguerite works at the community center after school and volunteering as an aide in the art class. She
likes to help the young children paint and modeling clay. Marguerite is especially thoughtfully and
patient with these children. She is creative, caring, and likes to help other people explore art. As an art
student herself, Marguerite draws, is a sculptor, and paints. She especially enjoys painting portraits,
still lifes, and creating scenes of the ocean. Marguerite hopes to become an art teacher or maybe
designing.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Parallel Structure #8: More Practice 5
_________/10
Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same
from. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and understand
by allowing thoughts to flow more smoothly for the reader. Specifically, series occur in sentences
when you create a list of things, pair two ideas together, or compare two ideas.
Proofreading for Parallel Structure
1. Look for conjunctions. Parallel Structure cannot happen without conjunctions.
 FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
 Word Pairs (neither/nor, either/or, whether/or, not only/but also, both/and)
 “Than” or “As”
2. Listen to the sound when you are linking or comparing similar elements. Do they balance by
sounding alike? Parallelism often adds emphasis by the repetition of similar sounds.
3. Visualize similar elements in a list. Check to see that the elements begin in the same way.
Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the additional information provided for each item. Be sure that
you maintain parallel structure.
1. Fill in the blank using the information below. Maintain parallel structure.
In addition, Daisy drenched the steak in hollandaise sauce.
Noodles swimming in butter, __________________________________________________________,
and vegetables glistening with oil made Daisy’s dinner a caloric nightmare.
2. Fill in the blank using the information below. Maintain parallel structure.
Lenora also went outside to search the backseat of her car.
Lenora flipped through her notebook and _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________, but she could not find Mark’s completed
calculus homework which she had borrowed to copy.
3. Fill in the blank using the information below. Maintain parallel structure.
Christina always fills the napkin dispensers.
We love when Christina closes the coffee shop because the next morning we find shiny counters, a
clean floor, and _____________________________________________________________________.
4. Fill in the blank using the information below. Maintain parallel structure.
Kendrick also took the dog for a walk.
Watching reruns of Battlestar Galactica, shopping for new shoes online, and _____________________
____________________________________________ were Kelsey’s favorite procrastination methods.
5. Fill in the blank using the information below. Maintain parallel structure.
Moreover, Gerald is good at coaxing the neighborhood cats to twine around his ankles.
Gerald can not only charm a dragonfly to land on his finger but also ___________________________
_________________________________________________________________.