Question

Which sentence demonstrates an error in parallel structure?
A.
The police arrested the suspect for robbing a bank and because he drove a stolen car.
B.
To repair the Hubble telescope, astronauts needed to replace the primary camera and the battery units.
C.
The oil spill will destroy animal and plant life in the marsh and will pollute the beaches.
D.
Before you take that swimming class, you should know how to float on your back and submerge your face.

Answer 1

A.

Explanation: The two parts joined by "and" are not parallel: "for robbing a bank" (prepositional phrase + gerund) vs. "because he drove a stolen car" (subordinate clause). Correct parallel versions:
- "The police arrested the suspect for robbing a bank and for driving a stolen car."
- "The police arrested the suspect because he robbed a bank and because he drove a stolen car."