When a structure consists of two or more parts, those parts should be parallel (similar in form).

Example: I like skiing and skating.

In the above example, the two objects of the verb like are skiing and skating. Notice how they are parallel (or similar) in form.

It would sound very awkward to say I like skiing and to skate or I like to ski and skating. These structures sound awkward because they are not parallel.

It is common for students to make errors in parallel structure with items in a series.

Examples:

(a) Gerry and his wife have lived in France, Italy, and in Switzerland.

This series is not parallel. There are two ways to correct the error:

Gerry and his wife have lived in France, Italy, and Switzerland.

(A series of three nouns sharing the preposition in)

Gerry and his wife have lived in France, in Italy, and in Switzerland.

(A series of three prepositional phrases)

(b) I love to dance, to read, and watch movies.

Again, the series is not parallel; there are two ways to correct the error:

I love to dance, read, and watch movies.

(A series of three verbs sharing the word to)

I love to dance, to read, and to watch movies.

(A series of three infinitives)

(c) Sue has trouble doing algebra, physics, and understanding grammar.

Again, there are two ways to correct this non-parallel structure:

Sue has trouble doing algebra, learning physics, and understanding grammar.

(A series of ing word groups)

Sue has trouble with algebra, physics, and grammar.

(A series of nouns sharing the preposition with)

It is important also to use parallel structure with correlative conjunctions. Correlative conjunctions are two-part conjunctions:

both . . . and . . .

either . . . or . . .

neither . . . nor . . .

not only . . . but also

whether . . . or

I like both skiing and skating.

            (Two ing words)

We will travel either by car or by bus.

            (Two prepositional phrases)

Many people in the world can neither read nor write.

            (Two main verbs sharing the helper can)

The boys have not only cut the grass but also weeded the garden.

            (Two main verbs sharing the helper have)

I can’t decide whether to read a book or to watch television.

            (Two infinitive word groups)

Correct any errors in parallel structure in the following sentences. Two of the sentences are correct.

1. David has neither done the dishes nor has he made his bed. (Hint: make sure you have the same kind of structure after nor as you have after neither.)
2. Janet hopes to finish college, get a job, and to find her own apartment.
3. To learn proper grammar and writing effectively are my goals.
4. I plan to travel this summer either in Europe or Central America.
5. The suspect has sold his house, packed his belongings, and has left town.
6. Greg can't decide whether to enroll in Social Services or to choose General Arts.
7. He is both tired from jet lag, and he is irritated by the long line-ups.
8. Mr. Ames will write the report, proofread it, and mail it before tomorrow.
9. That student is studying English, psychology, and is taking two computer courses as well.
10. Not only are we paying for our daughter's wedding but also for the honeymoon.

Correct any errors in parallel structure in the following sentences. Two sentences are correct.

1. Reading trashy novels, the soaps, and eating junk food are Karen's only vices.
2. Matt is either studying in the library, or he is working in the computer lab.
3. I know how to brainstorm, write a good thesis statement, and I can organize my ideas well, too.
4. Amanda has trouble with study skills, memory techniques, and managing her time.
5. This weekend, Jason will both research his essay topic on the Internet, and he will also write the first draft of his essay.
6. The disk in the sky revolved rapidly, emitted a humming sound, and then it began to descend slowly towards the surface of the earth.
7. Hoping to thumb a ride and cross the border, the escaped prisoner cautiously approached the highway.
8. Although we enjoyed the article on Seven Years in Tibet, we have neither seen the movie nor read the book.
9. The members of the tour group boarded the bus wearily, endured a two-hour drive to the resort, and then they discovered that they had no reservations.
10. The rebels not only attacked the village, but they also took several hostages.

 

ANSWERS

 

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