Parallel Structure Quiz: Test Your Grammar

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Questions and Answers

Why is it important for train tracks in the U.S. and Canada to have the same width (gauge)?

To ensure smooth transportation of goods without delays at the border (correct)

To accommodate different types of trains crossing the border

To slow down the transportation process for security reasons

To maintain a historical tradition between the two countries

What is the main purpose of parallel structure in writing?

To add clarity and improve readability of sentences (correct)

To emphasize the importance of the last item in a list

To highlight differences between listed items

To confuse readers with complex sentence structures

Why was the initial list 'I like to run, eating, and jump.' considered non-parallel?

The grammatical formation of the listed activities was not consistent (correct)

Because 'jump' should be changed to 'jumping'

Because 'eating' is not a gerund form

Due to improper use of commas in the sentence

Which coordinating conjunction is commonly used to join words of equal rank in a list?

But Signup and view all the answers

What is the mnemonic device 'FANBOYS' used for in writing?

To remember common coordinating conjunctions Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for parallel structure to be maintained in lists?

To ensure clarity and coherence in sentences Signup and view all the answers

What does using parallel structure achieve in a sentence?

It helps create a flow and improve readability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly demonstrates the use of parallel structure?

He likes running, reading, and to write. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the sentence 'All students are expected to do their homework good, quickly, and efficient.' not parallel?

It uses adjectives instead of adverbs. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of parallel structure, why is the sentence 'Either you must do your homework or receive a bad grade.' not parallel?

It combines actions with outcomes as if they are interchangeable. Signup and view all the answers

Which pairs of words can be considered as correlative conjunctions?

'either...or,' 'not just...but as well,' 'none...nor' Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why the sentence 'My house is smaller than my brother.' lacks parallel structure?

It omits the object of comparison. Signup and view all the answers

'To stay in good shape, it is important that you eat vegetables, drink lots of water, and exercise.' demonstrates parallel structure by using which key element?

'That you' before each verb. Signup and view all the answers

'I prefer swimming, hiking, and to fish.' is not parallel because:

'Swimming' and 'hiking' are gerunds while 'to fish' is an infinitive. Signup and view all the answers

'The activities mentioned in this clause do not share the same grammatical form.' Which sentence corrects this issue by using parallel structure?

'To stay in good shape, it is important that you eat vegetables, that you drink lots of water, and that you exercise.' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Parallel Structure in Writing

Parallel structure is essential in writing to ensure clarity, balance, and readability in sentences and lists.

Importance of Parallel Structure

Maintaining parallel structure in lists helps to create a sense of rhythm and balance, making the sentence more engaging and easier to understand.
Parallel structure achieves clarity and balance in a sentence by using similar grammatical forms for parallel ideas.

Errors in Parallel Structure

The sentence "I like to run, eating, and jump" lacks parallel structure because "eating" is a gerund, while "run" and "jump" are verbs.
The sentence "All students are expected to do their homework good, quickly, and efficient" is not parallel because "good" is an adjective, while "quickly" and "efficient" are adverbs.
The sentence "Either you must do your homework or receive a bad grade" is not parallel because "do your homework" is an action, while "receive a bad grade" is a consequence.

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words used to connect words or phrases of equal importance in a sentence.
Examples of correlative conjunctions include "both...and", "either...or", and "not only...but also".

Correcting Errors in Parallel Structure

The sentence "I prefer swimming, hiking, and to fish" can be corrected by changing "to fish" to "fishing" to achieve parallel structure.
The corrected sentence would be "I prefer swimming, hiking, and fishing".

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Description

Test your knowledge of parallel structure with this quiz! Learn how to structure sentences with parallel elements for clear and effective communication. Challenge yourself with questions on listing or comparing items in a sentence.

Parallel Structure: Grammar Quiz