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mixing apples with orangesParallel Gerunds

Using Similar Word Forms in a Series

 

 

 

 

Using Like Word Forms
UNPARALLEL   incorrect PARALLEL  correct

An unparallel sentence is "like mixing apples with oranges"  –  good in a salad, but not in writing.

When mentioning item s in a series, we use the same word form for each item or phrase.

He is very honest, kind and responsibility.
                   adj          adj            noun?

He is very honest, kind and responsible.
                    adj          adj           adjective

He enjoys swimming, running and to jog.
                    gerund        gerund          infinitive?

He enjoys swimming, running and jogging.
                    gerund        gerund          gerund

My friend knows how to travel and where he is traveling in comfort.
                              how + infinitive        where + clause?

My friend knows how to travel and where to travel in comfort.
                              how + infinitive        where + infinitive
 

 

matched cherries on slot machine

 

 

 

Common Mistakes
ERROR FIX

We stood in a long line waiting, talking and discussed how to fix this this country.

 

We stood in a long line waiting, talking and discussing how to fix this this country.  (Use three similar word forms.)

 

*Yellow highlighted words are examples of incorrect usage.
Also see:  Parallel Phrasing  
Solution - lightbulb  Pop-Q "Parallel"

 

 

 

 

 

 

summer kidsPractice 1

Summer Activities

beginning level  

  1. Select your response from each menu.
  2. Then check your answer.

 

# YOUR RESPONSE FEEDBACK
1.

 
2.
 
3. .

getting to know (v) – socializing, meeting  
4.
nap (v. ) – take a short rest, sleep for a little while  
5.
 
6. , , and    outside.
7. , ,   projects.
 
8.


sail (v.) – go on water by boat or ship; cruise
 

 

 

 

 

 

schoolPractice 2

Parallel Phrasing in a Paragraph

 

intermediate-advanced level

 

 

 

Check this paragraph carefully for parallel structures, and fragments (incomplete sentences.) 
  1. Select your response from each menu. *Yellow highlighted words are examples of incorrect usage.
  2. Then check your answer.   

 

# YOUR RESPONSE CHECK ANSWER
9. Recognizing the problem and find how to fix it is necessary and practically before one can continue.
 
10. Coming from a large family and that I am the oldest of the children, I have always had certain responsibilities and duty in the home.
 
11. One of my jobs, because I have "the" alarm clock, has been waking up my younger brothers and sisters, make sure they get dressed, and to see that they get downstairs by 7:20a.m. in time for breakfast.


 
12. My brother, who is one year younger and very responsibility, and who is tall enough to reach the high shelves in the kitchen, takes down the cereal boxes and putting them on the breakfast table.
13. My second little brother and sister, who are twins.

14. They are always arguing over whose job it is to put the milk and sugar on the table and whose job is it to put them away.
15. My six-year old sister, who is more mature than my brother who is ten, puts spoons and napkins on the table, never complaining and she always completing her job on time.

16. While we are getting the breakfast table ready, Mom, who will later drive us to our schools, which are nearby.

17. At 7:30a.m., we all sit down to eat, talking and preparation our minds for the day.



18. I really enjoy our mornings together, even though fighting and squabbling.



19. Our family, in which we work hard, cooperatively, and responsibly, and also which we take care and watching out for each other.

 

 

 

Also see:  Parallel Phrasing