Below are five sentences that have parallel structure problems. Read about parallel structure on the web or on page 58 of Rules of Thumb. For +1 extra credit, fix the parallelism in one of the sentences below and write 1 – 2 sentences explaining how you made the correction. Submit your correction by replying to this post.
- I enjoy learning about electricity because it’s interesting, challenging, and simply for exploring the sciences.
- After school yesterday I went to Target, to Brooklyn Industries, and TD Bank.
- My cousin likes running, swimming, and to ride a horse every once in a while.
- If you need help with grammar, check in Rules of Thumb or The Purdue OWL’s website.
- After the scary movie, Danielle looked horrified, scared, and wouldn’t go alone into the dark.
Can anyone identify the parallel structure in the cartoon below?
1. After school yesterday I went to Target, to Brooklyn Industries, and TD Bank.
After school yesterday I went to Target, to Brooklyn Industries, and to TD Bank.
To make the sentence parallel and clear, a ‘to’ is to be added.
3. My cousin likes running, swimming, and to ride a horse every once in awhile.
My cousin likes running, swimming, and riding a horse every once in awhile.
All the verbs in the sentence ended in the ‘ing.’ The last verb, “to ride” is not in the same parallel structure as running or swimming.
“…you’re never too bad to come in…and you’re never too good to stay out.”
Excellent — corrections and explanations are correct. +1