Question

Which sentence demonstrates an error in parallel structure?
A.
When she sees that the old man does not have enough money to pay for his prescription, Elena opens her purse, pulls out her wallet, and, with a kind smile, offers him money.
B.
To prepare for her dinner party, Alex needs to tidy up the kitchen, set the table, and, before it gets too late, should also change into her cocktail dress.
C.
In her first hour at work, Sheila answered five phone calls, typed up four letters, and, to keep herself awake, drank three cups of coffee.
D.
After waking up 45 minutes late, Spencer throws on his clothes, devours a bagel, and, in a rush to get to the bus stop, forgets to grab his chemistry textbook.

Answer 1

B

The first two verbs ("tidy up the kitchen," "set the table") are bare infinitive phrases, but the third uses "should also change," breaking the parallel structure. A parallel version would be "...tidy up the kitchen, set the table, and change into her cocktail dress."