Which Of The Following Sentences Uses Parallel Structure?A. As They Prepared For Launch, The Crew Members Showed No Signs Of Nervousness.B. Madeline Was Upset That The Others Had Given Up Hope For Escaping The Tunnel.C. The Card Game Was A Close One,

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Understanding Parallel Structure

Parallel structure is a fundamental concept in English grammar that refers to the use of similar grammatical structures in a series of words, phrases, or clauses. It is essential to maintain parallel structure in sentences to convey a clear and coherent message. In this article, we will explore which of the given sentences uses parallel structure.

What is Parallel Structure?

Parallel structure involves using the same grammatical structure for each item in a list or series. This can include using the same verb form, such as present tense or past tense, or the same grammatical construction, such as a noun phrase or a verb phrase. For example:

  • I like reading books, writing stories, and exploring new ideas.
  • The company's goals are to increase sales, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

In both examples, the verbs "reading," "writing," and "exploring" are in the present participle form, and the verbs "increase," "reduce," and "improve" are in the infinitive form. This creates a parallel structure that makes the sentences easier to read and understand.

Analyzing the Given Sentences

Now, let's analyze the given sentences to determine which one uses parallel structure.

A. As they prepared for launch, the crew members showed no signs of nervousness.

This sentence uses a complex sentence structure, with a subordinate clause ("As they prepared for launch") and a main clause ("the crew members showed no signs of nervousness"). The verb "prepared" is in the past participle form, and the verb "showed" is in the past tense. While the sentence is grammatically correct, it does not exhibit parallel structure.

B. Madeline was upset that the others had given up hope for escaping the tunnel.

This sentence uses a subordinate clause ("that the others had given up hope for escaping the tunnel") and a main clause ("Madeline was upset"). The verb "given" is in the past participle form, and the verb "was upset" is in the past tense. Like sentence A, this sentence does not exhibit parallel structure.

C. The card game was a close one, with the players showing great skill and strategy.

This sentence uses a main clause ("The card game was a close one") and a subordinate clause ("with the players showing great skill and strategy"). The verb "showing" is in the present participle form, and the verb "was" is in the past tense. However, the verb "showing" is in the present participle form, which is parallel to the verb "was" in the past tense. This creates a parallel structure that makes the sentence easier to read and understand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the sentence that uses parallel structure is:

  • C. The card game was a close one, with the players showing great skill and strategy.

This sentence exhibits parallel structure by using the same grammatical structure for each item in the list. The verb "showing" is in the present participle form, which is parallel to the verb "was" in the past tense. This creates a clear and coherent message that is easy to understand.

Tips for Mastering Parallel Structure

To master parallel structure, follow these tips:

  • Use the same verb form for each item in a list or series.
  • Use the same grammatical construction for each item in a list or series.
  • Avoid using different verb forms or grammatical constructions for each item in a list or series.
  • Practice using parallel structure in your writing to improve your grammar and clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Parallel Structure

Parallel structure is a fundamental concept in English grammar that can be challenging to master. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about parallel structure to help you improve your understanding and writing skills.

Q: What is the purpose of parallel structure in writing?

A: The purpose of parallel structure in writing is to create a clear and coherent message that is easy to understand. By using the same grammatical structure for each item in a list or series, you can convey your message more effectively and avoid confusion.

Q: How do I identify parallel structure in a sentence?

A: To identify parallel structure in a sentence, look for the same grammatical structure for each item in a list or series. For example:

  • I like reading books, writing stories, and exploring new ideas.
  • The company's goals are to increase sales, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

In both examples, the verbs "reading," "writing," and "exploring" are in the present participle form, and the verbs "increase," "reduce," and "improve" are in the infinitive form. This creates a parallel structure that makes the sentences easier to read and understand.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using parallel structure?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using parallel structure include:

  • Using different verb forms for each item in a list or series.
  • Using different grammatical constructions for each item in a list or series.
  • Failing to use parallel structure in a series of clauses or phrases.
  • Using parallel structure in a sentence that is already complex or confusing.

Q: How can I practice using parallel structure in my writing?

A: To practice using parallel structure in your writing, try the following exercises:

  • Write a list of three or four items that use the same verb form or grammatical construction.
  • Create a series of clauses or phrases that use parallel structure.
  • Practice rewriting sentences that use different verb forms or grammatical constructions to create parallel structure.
  • Read and analyze examples of writing that use parallel structure to improve your understanding.

Q: Can parallel structure be used in complex sentences?

A: Yes, parallel structure can be used in complex sentences. For example:

  • As they prepared for launch, the crew members showed no signs of nervousness, and they were confident in their abilities.
  • The company's goals are to increase sales, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction, which will lead to increased revenue.

In both examples, the verb "showed" is in the past tense, and the verb "were confident" is in the past tense. This creates a parallel structure that makes the sentences easier to read and understand.

Q: Can parallel structure be used in sentences with multiple clauses?

A: Yes, parallel structure can be used in sentences with multiple clauses. For example:

  • The company's goals are to increase sales, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction, which will lead to increased revenue, and ultimately, increased profits.
  • The new policy aims to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve employee morale, which will lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

In both examples, the verb "increase" is in the infinitive form, and the verb "improve" is in the infinitive form. This creates a parallel structure that makes the sentences easier to read and understand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, parallel structure is a fundamental concept in English grammar that can be challenging to master. By understanding the purpose of parallel structure, identifying it in sentences, and practicing using it in your writing, you can improve your writing skills and create clear and coherent messages. Remember to avoid common mistakes, practice using parallel structure in complex sentences and sentences with multiple clauses, and read and analyze examples of writing that use parallel structure to improve your understanding.