Chapter 16: Coordinating Conjunctions English Grammar Worksheet Page 2
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8CHART 16-1: PARALLEL STRUCTURE
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Using parallel structure is an economical way to include several bits of information in a
single phrase or clause. The ability to use parallel structure is highly valued in spoken and
written English, for conciseness is a cultural value in English-speaking countries. Other
cultures may have other values.
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Problems with parallel structure are common in student writing.
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To understand parallel structure, learners need to understand the concept of the ellipsis:
that certain words have been omitted from a sentence. The sentence can be understood
without them because the omitted words are repetitive. English rhetoric does not value
repetitiveness. Wordy and repetitive: Steve is coming to dinner and his friend is coming to dinner.
In ellipsis, the repeated words ( be + coming to dinner) are omitted and the verb is made to
agree with the compound subject: Steve and his friend are coming to dinner.
Write sentences without ellipsis on the board (e.g., The man is wearing a hat and the man is
wearing a coat. The woman is wearing her hat and the woman is holding her coat.). Ask the
students to omit any words they see that are repeated. Explain the grammatical source of the
parallel structure.
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In a series, the last item is preceded by a conjunction (usually and or or). Many people
place a comma before that conjunction (e.g., an apple, a banana, and a pear), but that is a
matter of choice. Grammar books and style guides do not agree on whether that comma is
required. This text uses the final comma so that the students can more clearly see each
element of a serial parallel structure. In addition, spoken English patterns usually have a
pause before the conjunction in this instance, and the comma reflects the pause.
EXERCISE 1, p. 348. Parallel structure.
(Chart 16-1)
ANSWERS:
[adverb + adverb]
3. She spoke angrily and bitterly about the war.
[verb + verb]
4. I looked for my book but couldn’t find it.
[infinitive + infinitive]
5. I hope to go to that university and study under Dr. Liu.
[gerund + gerund]
6. In my spare time, I enjoy reading novels or watching television.
[verb + verb]
7. He will leave at eight and arrive at nine.
[verb + verb]
8. He should have broken his engagement to Beth and married Sue instead.
EXERCISE 2, p. 349.
Parallel structure.
(Chart 16-1)
Ask the students to explain the grammatical functions of the parallel words. This may lead
to a review of basic terminology (noun, verb, adjective, preposition, etc.) and how to recognize
the various forms. Anyone having difficulty with this should review Appendix Unit A.
2. Mary is opening the door and (is) greeting her guests.
3. Mary will
ANSWERS:
open the door and (will) greet her guests.
4. Alice is kind, generous, and trustworthy.
5. Please try to speak more loudly and clearly.
6. He gave her flowers on Sunday,
candy on Monday, and a ring on Tuesday.
7. While we were in New York, we attended
an opera, ate at marvelous restaurants, and visited some old friends.
8. He decided to
quit school, (to) go to California, and (to) find a job.
[Note: To is usually not repeated in
parallel infinitives unless the sentence is long and complicated. In a series, if the second to (to go in
9. I am looking forward to
item 8) is included, the third to (to find) should be included also.]
174
CHAPTER 16, Coordinating Conjunctions
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