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?

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

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

5 Tired, and confused,

Melvin sat down.
A. bored,
B. boring,
C. in boredom,
Explain why you chose your answer.

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.

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.

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.
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
homework, and

2. At my family’s cookout, we will play lawn games,

swim in the pool, and

4. The new principal promised the students that he

would listen to student concerns, that he would
change the uniform policy, and