Which Sentence Correctly Uses Parallel Structure?
Parallel structure is the use of the same grammatical form or pattern within a sentence. It is a key element of clear and concise writing, as it helps to create a sense of balance and flow.
To determine whether a sentence uses parallel structure correctly, it is important to identify the grammatical form of each item in the list. If all of the items are in the same form, then the sentence is using parallel structure correctly.
For example, the sentence "I like to eat, sleep, and watch movies" uses parallel structure correctly. All three items are in the infinitive form, which is a verb form that functions as a noun.
However, the sentence "I like to eat, sleep, and to watch movies" does not use parallel structure correctly. The third item, "to watch movies," is in the infinitive form, while the first two items, "eat" and "sleep," are in the simple present tense.
Here are some tips for using parallel structure correctly:
- Identify the grammatical form of each item in the list.
- Make sure that all of the items are in the same form.
- If the items are in different forms, consider rewriting the sentence to use parallel structure.
Questions about Parallel Structure
Here are some questions that you can ask yourself to help you determine whether a sentence uses parallel structure correctly:
- Are all of the items in the list in the same grammatical form?
- If the items are in different forms, is there a reason for the difference?
- Does the sentence flow smoothly and easily?
Answering the Questions
Let’s take a look at some examples of sentences and answer the questions above to determine whether they use parallel structure correctly.
Sentence: I like to eat, sleep, and watch movies.
- Are all of the items in the list in the same grammatical form? Yes, all three items are in the infinitive form.
- If the items are in different forms, is there a reason for the difference? No, there is no reason for the difference.
- Does the sentence flow smoothly and easily? Yes, the sentence flows smoothly and easily.
Answer: The sentence "I like to eat, sleep, and watch movies" uses parallel structure correctly.
Sentence: I like to eat, sleep, and to watch movies.
- Are all of the items in the list in the same grammatical form? No, the third item, "to watch movies," is in the infinitive form, while the first two items, "eat" and "sleep," are in the simple present tense.
- If the items are in different forms, is there a reason for the difference? No, there is no reason for the difference.
- Does the sentence flow smoothly and easily? No, the sentence does not flow smoothly and easily because the third item is in a different form from the first two items.
Answer: The sentence "I like to eat, sleep, and to watch movies" does not use parallel structure correctly.
Sentence: I like to eat, sleep, and watch a movie.
- Are all of the items in the list in the same grammatical form? No, the third item, "watch a movie," is in the infinitive form, while the first two items, "eat" and "sleep," are in the simple present tense.
- If the items are in different forms, is there a reason for the difference? Yes, the third item is in the infinitive form because it is the object of the preposition "to."
- Does the sentence flow smoothly and easily? Yes, the sentence flows smoothly and easily because the third item is in a different form from the first two items for a good reason.
Answer: The sentence "I like to eat, sleep, and watch a movie" uses parallel structure correctly.
By following the tips and answering the questions above, you can improve your ability to use parallel structure correctly.
