PART 1: Analyzing Structure

DIRECTIONS: Read the two sets of example sentences below. As you read, note the differences between
version A and version B of each example. Then, answer the questions that follow.

VERSION A VERSION B

The resort offers visitors the chance to ski, The resort offers visitors the chance to ski, to
EXAMPLE 1
snowshoe, or to snowboard. snowshoe, or to snowboard.

Mr. Garcia asked his employees that they come Mr. Garcia asked his employees that they come
to work on time, that they meet their call to work on time, that they meet their call
EXAMPLE 2
quotas, and to clock out for all breaks and quotas, and that they clock out for all breaks
lunches. and lunches.

1. How are the two versions of Example 1 different?

The two versions of Example 1 differ in structure, wording, or formatting, which affects clarity
and readability.

2. In Example 1, which version of the list is easier to understand, with each listed item written in a
similar—or parallel—manner?

In Example 1, the version with listed items written in a similar manner is easier to understand.

3. Examine versions A and B for Example 2. In version B, what words do all of the items in the list
have in common?

In version B of Example 2, all the items in the list share common words that create a thematic link or
consistency.

4. In Example 2, which version of the list is easier to understand, with each listed item written in a
similar—or parallel—manner?

In Example 2, the version of the list that is written with each item in a similar manner is easier to
understand.
PART 2: Notes on Parallel Structure
DIRECTIONS: Review the key points about parallel structure below. Then, complete the practice
exercises on the following pages.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE

➢ Parallel structure is using the same pattern of words, phrases, and voice in a sentence to show that all parts
of the sentence have equal importance.
➢ When a sentence has parallel structure, it follows the same grammatical structure throughout to make the
sentence balanced and easier for the reader to understand. This helps the writer avoid grammatical errors.

WORDS AND PHRASES

➢ In sentences, words and phrases in a list should appear in the same grammatical form.

Non-Example:
For his last week before school, Harvey decided he would go to the woods to do some camping, hiking,
and to fish.

Corrected Example:
For his last week before school, Harvey decided he would go to the woods to do some camping, hiking,
and fishing.
➔ “Camping, hiking, and fishing” all maintain the same “-ing” ending.

CLAUSES: MAINTAINING PATTERN

➢ To maintain parallel structure, all clauses in a sentence should maintain the same pattern of verb tense,
phrasing, and voice.

Non-example of maintaining pattern with multiple clauses:

The teacher told them to study and that they should practice their words every night.
➔ “To study” and “that they should practice” do not match and make the sentence clunky and
unclear.

Example of maintaining pattern with multiple clauses:

 The teacher told them that they should study and that they should practice their words every
night.
➔ “That they” before both verb phrases keeps the sentence balanced and easy to read.

PART 3: Parallel Structure with Words and Phrases Practice

DIRECTIONS: Read each sentence below and select the correct word or phrase to maintain parallel
structure within the sentence. Then, explain your answer. Refer to your notes on “Words and Phrases” in
Part 2 for support.

Example:
My dog spends his days playing, running, and chasing cars.
A. chase
B. chasing
C. to chase
Explain why you chose your answer.
“Chasing” is the best answer because its structure matches “playing” and “running” in the first part of the sentence. All
three use the gerund form of the word.

1 To prepare dinner, I cleaned, chopped, and the vegetables.

A. to cook
B. cooking
C. cooked
Explain why you chose your answer.
I chose "cooked" because it maintains parallel structure with "cleaned" and "chopped," which are
both in the past tense. Using all verbs in the same tense ensures consistency within the list,
making it clear and grammatically correct.

2 The teacher asked that the students read, and speak during group work.
A. write,
B. writing,
C. wrote,
Explain why you chose your answer.
I chose "write" because it keeps the parallel structure consistent with "read" and "speak," all of
which are in the base form of the verb (the infinitive form without "to"). This uniformity in verb form
helps clarify the actions the students are expected to perform during group work.
 3 Slowly, carefully, and I walked out of the sleeping baby’s
room.
A. quiet,
B. quietly,
C. in quietness,
Explain why you chose your answer.
I chose "quietly" because it maintains parallel structure with "slowly" and "carefully," all of which
are adverbs that describe how the action of walking is performed. Using adverbs for all three
descriptors ensures that the sentence flows well and maintains grammatical consistency.

4 My aunt is a dancer, and a great cook.

A. sings,
B. Likes to sing,
C. a singer,
Explain why you chose your answer.

I chose "a singer" because it maintains parallel structure with "a dancer" and "a great cook," all of
which follow the same noun phrase format. This consistency creates a balanced structure that
emphasizes the aunt's various talents effectively.

5 Tired, and confused,

Melvin sat down.
A. bored,
B. boring,
C. in boredom,
Explain why you chose your answer.
I chose "bored" because it matches the structure of the other adjectives "tired" and "confused." All
three are past participles that describe Melvin's state, creating a parallel structure in the sentence.
Using adjectives maintains consistency and clarity in expressing his feelings.
PART 4: Parallel Structure with Clauses Practice 1
DIRECTIONS: Read each sentence below and select the correct clause to maintain parallel structure
within the sentence. Then, explain your answer. Refer to your notes on “Clauses: Maintaining Pattern” in
Part 2 for support.

Example:
The doctor said that I should rest, that I should eat healthy foods, and that I should get plenty of exercise.
A. that I am eating,
B. to eat healthy foods,
C. that I should eat healthy foods,
Explain why you chose your answer.
“That I should eat healthy foods” has the phrase “that I should” and is followed by the verb “eat.” This matches the
structure and pattern of “that I should rest” and “that I should get.”

1 Before the first day of school, Josephine’s mother assured her and that she would have
that she would make new friends, fun.
A. that she would be learning new things,
B. that new things would be learned,
C. that she would learn new things,
Explain why you chose your answer.
I chose "that she would learn new things" because it maintains the parallel structure with "that she
would make new friends" and "that she would have fun." All parts of the sentence start with "that"
and follow a similar structure, creating a smooth flow and consistency in the list of assurances
from Josephine's mother.

2 I accidentally dropped the package, tripped over it,

A. and broke it.
B. and it got broken.
C. and it breaks.
Explain why you chose your answer.
I chose "and broke it" because it maintains parallel structure with "dropped" and "tripped." All three
actions are presented in the simple past tense, ensuring consistency throughout the sentence.
This helps convey the sequence of events clearly and makes the overall sentence more cohesive.
 3 To prepare for the exam, it is important that you study and that you
your vocabulary, have a full
night’s rest.
A. that your notes are read,
B. that you reread your notes,
C. spend some time rereading your notes,
Explain why you chose your answer.
I chose "that you reread your notes" because it maintains parallel structure with "that you study
your vocabulary" and "that you have a full night’s rest." All three phrases begin with "that you,"
providing consistency in grammatical structure and clearly outlining the important actions needed
to prepare for the exam.

PART 5: Parallel Structure with Clauses Practice 2

DIRECTIONS: Complete each sentence by adding a clause that maintains parallel structure throughout
the sentence. Refer to your notes on “Clauses: Maintaining Pattern” in Part 2 for support.

EXAMPLE

Beginning End

The coach told the players that they should get a lot of that they should drink lots of water.
sleep, that they should not eat much, and

Beginning End

1. Before I left school, I made sure I grabbed my

backpack, I made sure I wrote down my I made sure I had my lunch.
homework, and
2. At my family’s cookout, we will play lawn games,
swim in the pool, and
enjoy some delicious food.

4. The new principal promised the students that he

would listen to student concerns, that he would
change the uniform policy, and hat he would introduce new clubs.