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Introduction to Exercise 3 - Using parallel structures in sentences |
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Use parallel structures (the same type of words) whenever you write a list or comparison.
- Incorrect (and confusing): The proposal will provide several benefits, including creating jobs, crimes will be prevented, and reducing taxes.
- Corrected (all the items in the list start with nouns ending in -ing): The proposal will provide several benefits, including creating jobs, preventing crime, and reducing taxes.
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To create parallel structures, use the same grammatical forms (e.g., adjectives, nouns with -ing endings, prepositional phrases, clauses) in a list or comparison.
- Example (four adjectives): The proposed law is not only unfair and unpopular, but also unnecessary and dangerous.
- Example (three phrases with a noun with an –ing ending): Eating fruits and vegetables, exercising daily and getting enough sleep are some of the things each of us can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Example (two prepositional phrases that are followed by a clause): For students, flexible working hours are helpful; however, for parents, a steady job is more important.
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 Download Grammar Explanation (PDF) |
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The following passages contain mistakes with the use of parallel structure. If you click on the
word or phrase that contains the mistake, two choices will appear on the side. Click on the
correct choice to insert it in the passage. If you click on the wrong choice, the Answer box
at the bottom of the choices will tell you why your choice is wrong. |
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