Question

Remember that in parallel structure, sentence elements of equal importance or function are expressed using the same grammatical structures. Those structures include words, phrases, and clauses.

In each item, identify the sentence that uses parallel structure. Select “Check Answers” to see how well you did.

1.
Which sentence uses parallel structure?


A.
Toni’s work day included answering emails, preparing reports, and to attend a lot of meetings.

B.
Toni’s work day included answering emails, preparing reports, and attending a lot of meetings.

C.
Toni’s work day included answering emails, reports to prepare, and a lot of meetings to attend.
2.
Which sentence uses parallel structure?


A.
Individual surfboards vary in height, length, and what they weigh.

B.
Individual surfboards vary in height, how long they are, and what they weigh.

C.
Individual surfboards vary in height, length, and weight.
3.
Which sentence uses parallel structure?


A.
Moviegoers were delighted, amazed, or they were unsatisfied with the ending.

B.
Moviegoers were delighted, amazed, or unsatisfied with the ending.

C.
Moviegoers were delighted, they were amazed, or unsatisfied with the ending.
4.
Which sentence uses parallel structure?


A.
People should be kind in their actions and in their words.

B.
People should be kind in their actions and in what they say.

C.
People should be kind in what they do and in their words.
5.
Which sentence uses parallel structure?


A.
Exhausted and not feeling much motivation, Eduardo decided to stay home.

B.
Exhausted and having little motivation, Eduardo decided to stay home.

C.
Exhausted and unmotivated, Eduardo decided to stay home.

Check Answers

Answer 1

1. B — all items are gerunds: answering, preparing, attending.
2. C — all nouns: height, length, weight.
3. B — all adjectives: delighted, amazed, unsatisfied.
4. A — matching prepositional phrases: in their actions / in their words.
5. C — matching adjectives: exhausted, unmotivated.