RETEACH

Name:       Date:      

PARALLEL STRUCTURE

Parallel structure, or the use of similar grammatical patters for words, phrases,
or clauses within a sentence, provides a text with consistency and
comprehensibility. A text with good parallel structure places words, phrases, and
clauses that perform an equivalent or similar function within a sentence into
corresponding positions. For example, sentences should maintain a consistent
approach to verb tense, quantity, and voice.
Non-parallel structure Minnie has excellent ball skills, good defensive skills,
and she is a superb rebounder.
Minnie has excellent ball skills, good defensive skills, and
Parallel structure
superb rebounding skills.
DIRECTIONS: Rewrite each of the following sentences to correct errors in parallel
structure. Write C if the sentence needs no correction.
1. A super-automatic espresso machine includes a coffee-maker, it has a grinder,
and a foamer to make cappuccino.
     
2. I thought the movie was ambitious in setting its goals, efficient in taking steps
to meet those goals, and honest in the achieving those goals.
     
3. All at the same time Marcus was making the apple pie, cleaning the kitchen,
and he talked on the telephone.
     
4. Our new dog Henry has a sleek brown coat, he has stumpy little legs, and a
pointy snout.
     
5. Marco seemed to win the debate because he was cool under pressure, he
wasn’t getting flustered, and his answers were substantive.
     
6. I think Thanksgiving is the best holiday because it has great food, we are
watching football games, and a warm family feeling.
     

© by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1

 PRACTICE

Name:       Date:      

PARALLEL STRUCTURE

DIRECTIONS: Rewrite each of the following sentences to correct errors in parallel

structure. Write C if the sentence needs no correction.
1. We are supposed to get to Judy’s by 1 PM and we are supposed to bring a
dessert, and bring extra chairs.

     
2. The desert to me is not a forbidding place, not spooky, and I don’t feel lonely.

     

3. I tried all of the different apple varieties and found Pink Ladies to be good,
Macintosh to be slightly mushy, and Honey Crisp crunchy and delicious.

     

4. Before we move into our new apartment we need to finish packing, finish
cleaning up, and we need to be finished with loading the truck.

     

5. Hannah thought Jeff’s giant beard was weird, scary, and it seemed for the
situation to be inappropriate.

     

6. Shanika’s new job as a news producer for the network will begin in February,
she will work through May, and she will be having a lot of responsibility.

     

7. In tennis, Moncef can now outplay me, outrun me, and he is beating me easily
in the score.

     

© by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 2