Parallel Structure Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Choose the correct answer: A) My New Year's resolutions were to stop talking so much, lose weight, and to do more reading. B) My New Year's resolutions were to stop talking so much, losing weight, and to do more reading.

Option B

Option A (correct)

What is a synonym for 'a person who teaches second grade'?

a second grade teacher

What is the action referred to when discussing exercise and bikes?

ride a bike

What adjective describes golden retriever puppies?

adorable Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence with no errors: 'Alex looked everywhere for his math book—under the bed, on his desk, and inside the refrigerator.'

Alex looked everywhere for his math book—under the bed, on his desk, and inside the refrigerator. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence with no errors: 'After giving Jeremy her phone number, Felicia had to tolerate his late night calls, stupid conversations, and requests for her math homework.'

After giving Jeremy her phone number, Felicia had to tolerate his late night calls, stupid conversations, and requests for her math homework. Signup and view all the answers

Choose the correct answer: A) The speaker had sweaty hands, an upset stomach, and a voice that was nervous. B) A speaker had sweaty hands, and upset stomach, and a nervous voice.

Option B Signup and view all the answers

What does 'the manager wanted staff who arrived on time, smiled at the customers, and didn't snack on the chicken nuggets' illustrate?

no errors Signup and view all the answers

Choose the correct answer: A) On a busy highway, traveling too slow is almost as bad as to drive too fast. B) On a busy highway, traveling too slow is almost as bad as driving too fast.

Option B Signup and view all the answers

What illustrates correct parallel structure in exercise?

Recommended exercise includes running, swimming, and cycling. Signup and view all the answers

Complete the sentence: 'To win Laurie's love, Albert visited the florist for roses, the drugstore for a box of chocolates, and __________.'

the jeweler for an expensive gold necklace Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence with no errors: 'During class, Samuel spent his time flirting with Brittney, eating candy, and doodling on the assignment sheet.'

During class, Samuel spent his time flirting with Brittney, eating candy, and doodling on the assignment sheet. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence with no errors: 'Barking dogs, meowing kittens, and squawking parakeets greet the pet shop visitors.'

Barking dogs, meowing kittens, and squawking parakeets greet the pet shop visitors. Signup and view all the answers

What word or phrase completes the sentence: 'Pasta boiling in water, __________, and garlic bread baking in the oven welcomed Francisco as he opened the door.'

tomato sauce simmering in the pan Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to love your family, your work, and giving love to your friends - that is happiness' highlight?

your friends Signup and view all the answers

Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction: 'He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to make good friends, and to learn about life.'

He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to make good friends, and to learn about life. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Parallel Structure Overview

Parallel structure refers to the use of similar patterns in a series of words, phrases, or clauses to create balance and flow in writing.

Examples of Parallel Structure

"Without warning, the sky got dark, a wind sprang up, and there was a drop in the temperature" illustrates grammatical symmetry.
Sentences can be assessed for their use of parallelism, e.g., "My New Year's resolutions were to stop talking so much, lose weight, and to do more reading" (Correct: A).

Identifying Errors in Parallel Structure

Errors involve inconsistencies in structure, such as “to stop talking so much, losing weight, and to do more reading” (Incorrect: B).
Focus on similar forms for clarity; “Our neighbors include a dress designer, a person who teaches second grade, and a car salesperson” shows effective representation of titles.

Common Mistakes

Use complete lists with consistent forms, e.g., "For exercise, I either play basketball at the gym or ride a bike in the park."
Mistakes in conjunction usage are common; "I never thought I'd miss my sister's shrill laughter and stupid jokes."

Function of Parallelism

Enhances writing by aligning ideas; for instance, "Nina has a high fever and a sore throat" emphasizes parallel traits in a clear manner.
Clear distinction when listing actions helps readability, as seen in “Pasta boiling in water, tomato sauce simmering in the pan, and garlic bread baking in the oven welcomed Francisco.”

Correct Sentences

Examples show correct usage: “The manager wanted staff who arrived on time, smiled at the customers, and didn't snack on the chicken nuggets.”
Recognizing well-structured sentences is crucial, e.g., “During class, Samuel spent his time flirting with Brittney, eating candy, and doodling on the assignment sheet.”

Importance of Parallel Construction

Proper parallel construction in writing maintains the reader's attention and enhances the clarity of ideas.
Effective lists improve the overall rhythm and cohesion of sentences, such as “Recommended exercise includes running, swimming, and cycling.”

Application in Creative Writing

Creative writing benefits from parallel structure through enhanced engagement; “He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to make good friends, and to learn about life.” shows this clearly.
Utilizing lists and parallelism in poetry and prose can elevate the emotional resonance and memorability of the text.

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Description

This quiz focuses on understanding and employing parallel structure in sentences. Through various flashcards, you'll learn to identify and correct issues related to parallelism. Enhance your writing clarity and improve your grammar skills with these interactive challenges.