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Parallel Structure – Quiz 1
Parallel Structure Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to construct sentences with grammatically consistent verb forms, maintain parallelism in lists and conditional clauses, and identify errors in parallel structure. It covers essential skills for academic writing, including identifying and correcting verb form inconsistencies and ensuring grammatical consistency.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
She wanted three things:money, power, and security.
A) This sentence is error free!.
B) This sentence has an error in parallel structure.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She wanted three things: money, power, and security." is grammatically correct in terms of parallel structure. Each item in the list (money, power, and security) follows the same pattern as a singular noun, ensuring consistency.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence adheres to proper parallel structure.
Option B:
Incorrect. There is no error in parallel structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. Option A is correct, and there are no errors.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence does not have any errors related to parallel structure.
2.
A baby's development is influenced by both hereditary and .....
A) By environmental factors.
B) Environmentally.
C) The influence of the environment.
D) Environment.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Environment.
This option maintains parallel structure with the first part of the sentence, "A baby's development is influenced by both hereditary and...". The phrase "hereditary" is a single-word adjective, so the second part should also be a single word. Among the options, only "Environment" fits this requirement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
By environmental factors - This option uses two words instead of one, breaking parallel structure.
Option B:
Environmentally - While grammatically correct, it does not match the single-word format of "hereditary".
Option C:
The influence of the environment - This option uses more than one word and thus breaks the parallel structure.
Option D:
Environment - This option matches the single-word format of "hereditary" and maintains parallel structure.
3.
Which sentence is an example of parallel structure?
A) The recipe calls for chopping the onions, to dice the tomatoes, and slicing the peppers.
B) The recipe calls for chopping the onions, dicing the tomatoes, and slicing the peppers.
C) The recipe calls for chopping the onions, to dice the tomatoes, and to slice the peppers.
D) The recipe calls for to chop the onions, dicing the tomatoes, and slicing the peppers.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B correctly uses parallel structure by maintaining the same verb form "dicing" and "slicing" to list the actions in the recipe.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it uses a infinitive "to dice" which differs from the base form used for "chopping".
Option B:
Correct; all verbs are in the base form, maintaining parallel structure.
Option C:
Incorrect; it uses "to slice" instead of "slicing", breaking the parallelism.
Option D:
Incorrect; it incorrectly starts with "to chop" and does not maintain consistent verb forms for all actions.
4.
The crocodile spends most of its time sunbathing, hunting, or in the water.
A) Parallel.
B) Not parallel.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The crocodile spends most of its time sunbathing, hunting, or in the water" does not exhibit parallel structure because "sunbathing" and "hunting" are both gerunds (verbs ending in -ing), while "in the water" is a prepositional phrase. For proper parallelism, all items should be in the same form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Parallel. Incorrect as the sentence lacks consistent structure.
Option B:
Not parallel. Correct as the sentence does not maintain a uniform grammatical structure across its elements.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect, since only one option is correct.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect, as Option B is correct.
5.
After he inherited the business from his aunt, he thought about expanding its size.
A) Parallel.
B) Not Parallel.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "After he inherited the business from his aunt, he thought about expanding its size" is grammatically parallel in structure. Both parts of the sentence describe actions that occurred after inheriting the business: one action was to inherit and the other was to think about expanding.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence maintains a consistent structure, making it parallel.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence is not non-parallel as both parts follow the same grammatical pattern.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one option can be correct in this case.
Option D:
Incorrect. There are no errors that would make none of the options correct.
6.
I have a diary to read and to talk to every time I feel alone.
A) This sentence is error free!.
B) This sentence has an error in parallel structure.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I have a diary to read and to talk to every time I feel alone." is error-free in terms of parallel structure. Both parts of the sentence follow the same grammatical pattern: "to [verb]."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence uses consistent verb forms ("read" and "talk") to maintain parallelism.
Option B:
Incorrect. There is no error in the parallel structure of this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. Option A is correct, so this option does not apply.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence has no errors related to parallel structure.
7.
Although I have never played a sport or sing songs, I must have some talent I have yet to discover.
A) Parallel.
B) Not parallel.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Although I have never played a sport or sing songs, I must have some talent I have yet to discover." is not parallel in structure. The first part of the sentence lists two activities: "have never played a sport" and "sing songs". However, "sing songs" should be written as "to sing songs" for consistency with the first phrase.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Parallel. Incorrect because the structure is not parallel.
Option B:
Not parallel. Correct because the sentence lacks proper parallelism in its construction.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect as it suggests all options are correct, which they are not.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect as Option B is correct.
8.
The professor enjoys running in the park, ..... to the music, and ..... in the lake
A) Listening, swim.
B) Listening, swimming.
C) Listen, swim.
D) Listened, swam.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Listening, swimming.
This option maintains parallel structure in the sentence. Both "enjoys running" and "to the music" are infinitive phrases starting with a verb (enjoy + -ing form), so it's logical to continue with another infinitive phrase beginning with "listening." Similarly, "and swimming" follows this pattern.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Listening, swim." This option does not maintain parallel structure because "swim" is a simple verb form instead of an infinitive.
Option B:
"Listening, swimming." This option correctly maintains the parallel structure with both infinitives starting with "listening."
Option C:
"Listen, swim." This option uses a finite verb and a simple verb form, breaking the parallel structure.
Option D:
"Listened, swam." This option uses past tense verbs, which do not match the present continuous tense of the main clause.
9.
Colorado has a semi-arid ..... that is strongly influenced by its terrain.
A) Continent climate.
B) Continent climates.
C) Continental climate.
D) Climate continental.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Continental climate.
This option correctly uses the term "continental" as an adjective to describe a type of climate, which fits grammatically and semantically in the sentence. The phrase "Colorado has a semi-arid continental climate that is strongly influenced by its terrain" is properly constructed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because it uses "Continent climate," which is not a standard term for describing climates.
Option B:
Incorrect because it uses "Continent climates," implying multiple climates, which does not fit the sentence structure.
Option C:
Correct as explained above.
Option D:
Incorrect because it reverses the adjective and noun order, making it grammatically incorrect in this context.
10.
Which of the following sentences demonstrates parallel structure?a) I like swimming, running, and to play basketball.b) I like swimming, running, and basketball playing.c) I like swimming, running, and playing basketball.d) I like swimming, running, and basketball to play.
A) B. I like swimming, running, and basketball playing.
B) C.
C) D. I like swimming, running, and basketball to play.
D) A. I like swimming, running, and to play basketball.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it maintains parallel structure throughout the sentence. Each element in the list (swimming, running, and playing basketball) follows the same grammatical pattern of a gerund (verb + -ing).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "to play" is not consistent with "running."
Option B:
Incorrect; "playing basketball" is inconsistent with the other elements.
Option C:
Correct; all elements are in gerund form (swimming, running, playing).
Option D:
Incorrect; "basketball to play" is not grammatically parallel.
11.
New Orleans, which was founded in 1718, is one of North America's most distinctive and cultural diverse cities.
A) Cities.
B) Cultural.
C) Which.
D) Is.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "New Orleans, which was founded in 1718, is one of North America's most distinctive and cultural diverse cities." uses parallel structure correctly by maintaining the same grammatical form: "founded" and "is."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Irrelevant to the sentence structure.
Option B:
Correct. "Cultural" is part of the parallel elements in the sentence, maintaining consistency with "distinctive."
Option C:
Not relevant to the parallel structure analysis.
Option D:
Incorrect. The verb "is" does not contribute to the parallelism in this context.
12.
Which sentence demonstrates parallel structure?
A) The new policy aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and it will enhance customer satisfaction.
B) The new policy aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
C) The new policy aims to improve efficiency, reducing costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
D) The new policy aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and to enhance customer satisfaction.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B correctly uses parallel structure by maintaining the same grammatical form for each element in the list: "improve efficiency," "reduce costs," and "enhance customer satisfaction."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The phrase "and it will enhance" introduces a different verb form, disrupting parallelism.
Option B:
Correctly uses consistent verb forms in the infinitive form for each element of the list.
Option C:
The phrase "reducing costs" uses a gerund instead of an infinitive, breaking the parallel structure.
Option D:
The addition of "to" before "enhance customer satisfaction" changes the verb form and disrupts parallelism.
13.
Select the correct word or phrase that gives the sentence below correct parallel structure.She was excited about inviting her friends over, ordering pizza, and .....
A) To gossip all night.
B) Gossip all night.
C) Gossiping all night.
D) Gossiped all night.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a verb in the -ing form to maintain parallel structure with "inviting" and "ordering." Option C, "Gossiping all night," uses the present participle form of the verb "to gossip," making it consistent with the other verbs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The phrase "To gossip all night" starts with a preposition and does not match the -ing form used in the other verbs.
Option B:
Correct but less preferred as it uses the base form of the verb, which is not parallel to "inviting" and "ordering." However, Option C is more grammatically precise for this context.
Option C:
Correct. Uses the present participle form of the verb "to gossip," maintaining parallel structure with "inviting" and "ordering."
Option D:
Incorrect. The past tense form "Gossiped all night" does not match the -ing form used in the other verbs.
14.
Identify the sentence with correct parallel structure.
A) The artist was known for his creativity, his passion, and he was very disciplined.
B) The artist was known for his creativity, his passion, and his discipline.
C) The artist was known for his creativity, his passion, and being disciplined.
D) The artist was known for his creativity, his passion, and to be disciplined.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B correctly uses parallel structure by maintaining the same grammatical form: "his creativity, his passion, and his discipline." This consistency ensures that all elements in the list are treated equally.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "he was very disciplined" does not match the possessive form used for "creativity" and "passion."
Option B:
Correct; as explained.
Option C:
Correct in structure but uses a prepositional phrase ("being") which is less concise than Option B's direct adjective form.
Option D:
Incorrect; "to be disciplined" introduces an infinitive verb, breaking the parallelism with "creativity" and "passion."
15.
The grocery store is recommended for fruit, vegetables, and .....
A) Bought meat.
B) Meat.
C) To buy meat.
D) Buying meat.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B) Meat is correct because it maintains parallel structure with "fruit" and "vegetables." In English, when listing items in a series, the words should be of the same grammatical form for clarity and consistency.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Bought meat. - Incorrect; verb phrase does not match noun phrases.
Option B:
Meat. - Correct; maintains parallel structure with nouns.
Option C:
To buy meat. - Incorrect; infinitive phrase does not match noun phrases.
Option D:
Buying meat. - Incorrect; gerund does not match noun phrases.
16.
How can the sentence 'Joey is studying music, dance, and how to make art.' be corrected for parallel structure?
A) Joey is studying music, dancing, and art.
B) Joey studies music, dance, and art.
C) Joey is studying music, dance, and art.
D) Joey is studying to make music, dance, and art.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Joey is studying music, dance, and art" (Option C) correctly uses parallel structure because all elements in the list are in the same form: they are all gerunds (-ing words). This maintains grammatical consistency.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Joey is studying music, dancing, and art" is correct as it also uses parallel structure with -ing forms for "music" and "dancing." However, Option C is the most accurate as per the given options.
Option B:
"Joey studies music, dance, and art" is grammatically correct but does not use a gerund form. It lacks parallel structure because "studies" (a simple present tense verb) is different from "music," "dance," and "art."
Option D:
"Joey is studying to make music, dance, and art" introduces an infinitive phrase ("to make"), which breaks the parallel structure.
17.
Complete the sentence:Jessica likes reading, writing, and .....
A) Swim.
B) To swim.
C) Swam.
D) Swimming.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Swimming.
This option maintains parallel structure in the sentence, as all three activities are presented in their base form (reading, writing, and swimming). Options A, B, and C do not follow this grammatical rule.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Swim" is an infinitive without 'to', which does not match the other two verbs.
Option B:
"To swim" introduces a preposition that disrupts parallelism.
Option C:
"Swam" is in past tense, unlike the present tense of the other verbs.
Option D:
"Swimming" is consistent with the base form used for "reading" and "writing".
18.
Spiders that bite, hissing snakes, and squealing rodents fill the aquariums in Desmond's basement.
A) Correct.
B) Incorrect.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Spiders that bite, hissing snakes, and squealing rodents fill the aquariums in Desmond's basement." is grammatically correct because it maintains parallel structure. Each element in the list (spiders, snakes, rodents) follows a similar pattern: subject + verb phrase.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The sentence does maintain parallel structure.
Option B:
Correct. The sentence is indeed grammatically correct with parallel structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. All options do not apply here as the sentence is correctly structured.
Option D:
Incorrect. There are no issues with the sentence's structure.
19.
Complete the sentence:The chef prepared the meal by chopping vegetables, grilling meat, and .....
A) Baking bread.
B) Bakes bread.
C) To baking bread.
D) To bake bread.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires parallel structure, meaning all parts of the list should be in the same form. "Chopping vegetables" and "grilling meat" are both present participles (gerunds). Therefore, "baking bread" is correct as it also uses a gerund.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct - Uses a gerund like the other actions.
Option B:
Incorrect - Uses a simple present tense verb form instead of a gerund.
Option C:
Incorrect - Begins with "To" which is not needed here and changes the structure to an infinitive phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect - Begins with "To" which is not needed here and changes the structure to an infinitive phrase.
20.
James sang, performed and then he went outside.
A) Parallel.
B) Nonparallel.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "James sang, performed and then he went outside." is nonparallel because the first two verbs ("sang" and "performed") are in the base form, while the third verb phrase ("and then he went outside") includes an adverb ("then") and a past tense verb ("went"). For parallel structure, all elements should be in the same grammatical form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Parallel. Incorrect as the sentence is not fully parallel.
Option B:
Nonparallel. Correct as explained above.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect, as only one option can be correct.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect, as Option B is correct.
21.
The photosynthetic process results in the spitting of the water molecule unless one of its component atoms, oxygen, is released as molecular oxygen that serves to replenish the atmospheric oxygen supply.
A) Unless.
B) Replenish.
C) Its.
D) In.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence uses a conditional structure to explain the photosynthetic process, where "Unless" is correctly used to introduce an exception that affects the main clause's outcome. This aligns with parallel structure rules by maintaining consistency in how conditions are introduced and described.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses "Unless" to maintain parallelism between clauses.
Option B:
"Replenish" is a verb used correctly but does not affect the parallel structure.
Option C:
"Its" is a possessive pronoun and does not impact parallelism.
Option D:
"In" is a preposition and does not relate to maintaining parallel structure in this context.
22.
She wants to go to England and studying at the London School of Economics.
A) Parallel.
B) Not Parallel.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She wants to go to England and studying at the London School of Economics" is not parallel because "go to England" is a verb phrase, while "studying at the London School of Economics" is a gerund phrase. For parallel structure, both parts should be in the same form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Parallel - Incorrect as the sentence lacks parallelism.
Option B:
Not Parallel - Correct as explained above.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect, since only one option is correct.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, as Option B is correct.
23.
This class includes lessons on how to write, read, and speech.
A) Parallel.
B) Not parallel.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "This class includes lessons on how to write, read, and speech." is not parallel because the verb forms are inconsistent: "write," "read" (both correctly in infinitive form), but "speech" should be "speak" for consistency.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Parallel. Incorrect as the sentence structure is not consistent.
Option B:
Not parallel. Correct, as explained above.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect since only one option is correct.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect as Option B is correct.
24.
True or False:The sentence 'She likes to hike, swim, and biking' uses parallel structure.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence 'She likes to hike, swim, and biking' does not use parallel structure because the verb form is inconsistent. "Hike" and "swim" are both in the base form of the infinitive (without 'to'), but "biking" is a gerund (ending with -ing). For proper parallel structure, all items should be in the same form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The sentence does not use parallel structure.
Option B:
Correct. The sentence uses inconsistent verb forms and thus lacks parallel structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. All options do not apply since only one is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct option.
25.
Franklin Roosevelt was a governor, a secretary of the Navy, and he became President.
A) Parallel.
B) Not Parallel.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Franklin Roosevelt was a governor, a secretary of the Navy, and he became President" is not parallel because the first two items in the list are noun phrases (a governor, a secretary of the Navy), while the last item is a verb phrase (he became President). For proper parallel structure, all elements should be constructed similarly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Parallel. Incorrect as the sentence does not have a consistent structure.
Option B:
Not Parallel. Correct because the sentence lacks parallelism due to the different structures of its elements.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect, as only one option is correct.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect, as Option B is correct.
26.
What is an example of incorrect parallel structure?
A) He enjoys hiking, biking, and to run.
B) He enjoys hiking, biking, and running.
C) He enjoys to hike, biking, and running.
D) He enjoys hiking, to bike, and running.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is incorrect because it uses inconsistent verb forms in the list: "hiking," "biking," and "to run." For parallel structure, all items should be in the same form. Options B, C, and D maintain consistent verb forms.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect due to inconsistent verb forms.
Option B:
Correct; all verbs are in base form.
Option C:
Incorrect; "to hike" should be "hiking."
Option D:
Incorrect; "to bike" should be "biking."
27.
Select the best answer to complete the sentence in Parallel Structure:Not only is he my boss, he .....
A) Says he is my friend.
B) Is friendly.
C) My friend.
D) Is also my friend.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Is also my friend.
This option maintains parallel structure by using the same form (verb + adverb) as the first part of the sentence, "Not only is he my boss." The phrase "is also" matches the verb "is" in the first clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Says he is my friend" uses a different form (verb + pronoun) and thus does not maintain parallel structure.
Option B:
"Is friendly" uses a different form (adjective) and does not match the verb in the first clause.
Option C:
"My friend" is a noun phrase, which does not match the verb in the first clause.
Option D:
"Is also my friend" uses the same form (verb + adverb) as the first part of the sentence and maintains parallel structure.
28.
Trevon's favorite activities are playing football, eating pie, and picking his nose.
A) PARALLEL.
B) NOT PARALLEL.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The activities mentioned in the sentence are playing football, eating pie, and picking his nose. These elements are all gerunds (verbs ending in -ing) and thus maintain parallel structure. Therefore, option A is correct as it indicates that the sentence follows a parallel structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The activities are listed using consistent verb forms.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence does follow a parallel structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. Not all options are correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is valid.
29.
I would describe her as intelligent, caring, and thoughtful.
A) PARALLEL.
B) FAULTY.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I would describe her as intelligent, caring, and thoughtful" is grammatically correct because it uses a parallel structure. All the adjectives (intelligent, caring, thoughtful) are in the same form (adjective), which maintains parallelism.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence follows a parallel structure with all adjectives being in the same form.
Option B:
Incorrect. There is no fault in the sentence's structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence does follow a parallel structure correctly.
30.
Taking the train can be as costly as ..... the plane.
A) Taken.
B) Take.
C) Taking.
D) To take.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Taking.
This option maintains parallel structure in the sentence. The phrase "Taking the train" should be parallel to "taking the plane," both starting with the gerund form of the verb "take."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "Taken" is a past participle, not matching the structure of "taking."
Option B:
Incorrect; "Take" is an infinitive form, not matching the structure.
Option C:
Correct; "Taking" matches the structure with "taking."
Option D:
Incorrect; "To take" is a gerund but does not match the parallel structure of "taking."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is parallel structure?
Parallel structure refers to the use of similar grammatical forms in a sentence to create balance and clarity. It involves using the same pattern for items in a list or clauses that are related.
Why is parallel structure important?
Parallel structure enhances readability and coherence by making sentences easier to understand. It helps maintain consistency in writing, which can improve the overall flow of a text.
How difficult is it to learn parallel structure?
Learning parallel structure can be straightforward once you understand the basic principles. It often requires practice and attention to detail, but with consistent effort, most students can master it.
Where is parallel structure commonly used?
Parallel structure is frequently used in writing lists, comparisons, and explanations. It’s a fundamental skill that can be applied to various types of sentences and paragraphs.
What are some common mistakes when using parallel structure?
Common mistakes include mixing sentence structures within a list or clause, such as starting with a verb and then switching to a noun. Ensuring consistency in the grammatical form helps avoid these errors.