Choose The Sentence That Uses Parallel Structure Correctly Apex 2.4.3

Choosing the Sentence That Uses Parallel Structure Correctly: A Comprehensive Guide

Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a fundamental principle of grammar that significantly impacts clarity and readability. It involves using the same grammatical structure for similar items in a list, series, or comparison. Mastering parallel structure elevates your writing, making it more concise, impactful, and aesthetically pleasing. This guide delves into the nuances of parallel structure, focusing specifically on how to identify the correctly structured sentence, particularly within the context of assessments like Apex 2.4.3 (or similar).

Understanding Parallel Structure: The Basics

Parallel structure ensures that elements in a sentence that are grammatically similar in function also have a similar grammatical form. This typically involves consistency in using:

• Nouns: Example: I enjoy swimming, running, and cycling. (all nouns)
• Verbs: Example: She likes to read, write, and paint. (all verbs)
• Adjectives: Example: The house is large, spacious, and modern. (all adjectives)
• Prepositional Phrases: Example: He traveled to France, Italy, and Spain. (all prepositional phrases)
• Clauses: Example: She is intelligent, she is kind, and she is compassionate. (all independent clauses)

Incorrect Parallelism: A sentence lacks parallel structure when items in a series or list use inconsistent grammatical structures. This creates awkwardness and confusion for the reader.

• Example (Incorrect): I enjoy swimming, to run, and cycling. (Mixing gerunds and infinitives)

Identifying Parallel Structure Errors: Common Mistakes

Several common errors disrupt parallel structure. Learning to recognize these pitfalls is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and stylistically effective sentences.

1. Mixing Gerunds and Infinitives: This is a frequent source of parallel structure errors. Gerunds (verbs acting as nouns ending in "-ing") and infinitives ("to" + verb) shouldn't be mixed within the same parallel structure.

• Incorrect: I like swimming and to cycle.
• Correct: I like swimming and cycling. OR I like to swim and to cycle.

2. Inconsistent Verb Tense: Maintain consistent verb tense throughout the parallel structure. Shifting tenses within a parallel series creates inconsistency and confusion.

• Incorrect: He walked to the store, bought milk, and will return home.
• Correct: He walked to the store, bought milk, and returned home. (All past tense)

3. Mismatched Parts of Speech: Ensuring that all items in a parallel structure belong to the same part of speech is vital.

• Incorrect: She is intelligent, kind, and has compassion.
• Correct: She is intelligent, kind, and compassionate. (All adjectives)

4. Unequal Comparisons: When making comparisons using parallel structure, maintain consistency in the compared elements.

• Incorrect: My dog is faster than a cheetah is swift.
• Correct: My dog is faster than a cheetah. OR My dog's speed is comparable to that of a cheetah.

5. Faulty Correlative Conjunctions: Correlative conjunctions (e.g., both…and, either…or, neither…nor) require parallel structure in the elements they connect.

• Incorrect: She is both intelligent and has a kind heart.
• Correct: She is both intelligent and kind.

Apex 2.4.3 and Parallel Structure: Practice Examples

Let's examine several examples, similar to what you might encounter in an Apex 2.4.3 (or similar) assessment. Remember, the key is to identify the sentence where all elements within the parallel structure maintain consistent grammatical form.

Example Set 1:

A. He likes to sing, dance, and playing the guitar. B. She is tall, slender, and has beautiful eyes. C. They enjoy hiking, camping, and to fish. D. We decided to study, to exercise, and to relax.

Correct Answer: D This sentence utilizes parallel structure correctly by consistently using infinitives ("to" + verb) for each element in the series. Options A, B, and C all contain inconsistencies in grammatical structure.

Example Set 2:

A. The cake was delicious, moist, and looked appealing. B. The children were playful, energetic, and happy. C. He was running fast, jumping high, and throwing the ball far. D. She is smart, ambitious, and she works hard.

Correct Answer: B All three adjectives (“playful,” “energetic,” and “happy”) are in parallel. Options A, C, and D show inconsistent grammatical structures.

Example Set 3:

A. To learn, to grow, and experience new things are important. B. She hoped to travel, to see the world, and having adventures. C. He wants to succeed, to achieve his goals, and to make a difference. D. They planned to attend the conference, to network, and for presenting their research.

Correct Answer: C This option demonstrates consistent use of infinitives. Options A, B, and D mix infinitives and other grammatical structures, disrupting the parallel structure.

Advanced Considerations and Tips for Mastering Parallel Structure

While understanding the basic principles of parallelism is crucial, there are several advanced considerations to keep in mind:

• Emphasis and Flow: Parallel structure not only improves grammar but also enhances the rhythm and flow of your writing, making it more engaging for the reader. Careful construction of parallel structures can significantly improve the clarity and impact of your sentences.

• Complex Sentences: Parallelism can be applied in more complex sentence structures, involving multiple clauses or phrases. The principle of maintaining consistent grammatical structure remains the same regardless of complexity.

• Balancing Length: While consistency is key, strive for a balance in the length of parallel elements. Extremely short elements juxtaposed with very long ones can disrupt the flow and create an uneven appearance.

• Punctuation: Pay close attention to punctuation when using parallel structures. Commas are typically used to separate elements in a series, and the final comma before the conjunction ("and," "or," "nor") is often used (Oxford comma).

• Practice: The best way to master parallel structure is through consistent practice. Analyze sentences, identify errors, and rewrite them to correct the parallelism. This will build your grammatical intuition and refine your writing skills.

Conclusion: Achieving Clarity and Style through Parallelism

Parallel structure is more than just a grammatical rule; it's a stylistic tool that enhances clarity, improves readability, and makes your writing more impactful. By understanding the principles of parallelism and recognizing common errors, you can significantly improve your writing skills and confidently navigate assessments like Apex 2.4.3 and similar exercises that test your grammatical proficiency. Remember, practice is key to mastering this essential element of effective writing. The more you analyze and correct parallel structure errors, the more naturally you will incorporate it into your writing, resulting in clear, concise, and aesthetically pleasing prose. Consistent application of parallel structure demonstrates grammatical precision and attention to detail – qualities valued in any form of written communication.