Choose The Sentence That Uses Parallel Structure Correctly Apex 2.4.3

Choosing the Sentence with Correct Parallel Structure: A Comprehensive Guide

This article delves into the intricacies of parallel structure, a crucial element of grammar that significantly impacts clarity and readability. We'll dissect the concept, explore common errors, and provide you with a robust understanding of how to identify sentences with correctly implemented parallel structure, particularly relevant to Apex learning exercises like 2.4.3. This guide aims to go beyond simply identifying the correct answer; we will equip you with the knowledge to confidently analyze and construct grammatically sound sentences yourself.

What is Parallel Structure?

Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a grammatical principle that dictates that similar grammatical elements within a sentence should have the same grammatical form. This means that items in a list, elements compared or contrasted, or parts of a compound sentence should maintain consistency in structure. Think of it as maintaining a grammatical rhythm. When elements are parallel, the sentence flows smoothly and is easily understood. When they're not, the sentence becomes jarring, confusing, and potentially grammatically incorrect. This is particularly crucial in complex sentences or those with multiple clauses. Mastering parallel structure enhances the overall quality and impact of your writing.

Why is Parallel Structure Important?

Beyond grammatical correctness, parallel structure serves several crucial functions:

• Clarity: Parallel structure ensures that the reader easily grasps the relationship between the different parts of the sentence. The consistent structure guides the reader's understanding.
• Emphasis: By highlighting the similarities between elements, parallel structure emphasizes their importance and connection.
• Readability: A sentence with parallel structure is more pleasant to read. The rhythmic consistency makes it flow better and is less likely to cause cognitive strain for the reader.
• Professionalism: Using parallel structure correctly demonstrates attention to detail and grammatical proficiency, reflecting positively on your writing and overall communication skills. This is especially important in academic settings and professional contexts.

Common Errors in Parallel Structure

Many errors stem from a lack of awareness or inconsistent application of grammatical rules. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Mixing Verb Forms: This is a very common mistake. For example: "She likes to swim, to bike, and running." The correct parallel structure would be: "She likes to swim, to bike, and to run." All verbs should be in the same form (infinitive in this case).

• Inconsistent Parts of Speech: This error involves mixing different parts of speech within a parallel structure. For example: "He is intelligent, kind, and has a great sense of humor." Here, "intelligent" and "kind" are adjectives, while "has a great sense of humor" is a verb phrase. The correction could be: "He is intelligent, kind, and humorous."

• Unequal Comparisons: This occurs when comparing or contrasting dissimilar grammatical elements. For example: "The cat is faster than a dog and more agile." The comparison is uneven – "faster" compares speed, while "more agile" compares agility. A correction could be: "The cat is faster and more agile than a dog."

• Faulty Coordination: This arises from improperly coordinating elements within a parallel structure. For instance: "He enjoys playing tennis, reading novels, and to travel." The correction should be: "He enjoys playing tennis, reading novels, and traveling." All elements should be consistent gerunds (verb + -ing).

Identifying Correct Parallel Structure in Apex 2.4.3-type Questions

Apex 2.4.3, and similar exercises, often present multiple-choice questions testing your ability to identify sentences with correct parallel structure. To tackle these effectively:

1. Identify the Parallel Elements: Pinpoint the elements intended to be parallel. These are usually items in a list, elements being compared, or parts of a compound predicate or object.

2. Determine the Grammatical Form: Analyze the grammatical form of each parallel element. Are they nouns, verbs, adjectives, participial phrases, prepositional phrases, or infinitive phrases?

3. Check for Consistency: Ensure all parallel elements have the same grammatical form. If they don't, the structure is not parallel.

4. Look for Inconsistencies: Pay close attention to the use of articles, conjunctions, and prepositions. Inconsistencies in these can also disrupt parallel structure.

5. Test with Substitution: If you are unsure, try substituting one element with another similar element. If the sentence still sounds grammatically correct and natural, the structure is probably parallel.

Examples of Correct and Incorrect Parallel Structure

Let’s examine a few examples to solidify your understanding:

Correct Parallel Structure:

• Example 1: She is intelligent, hardworking, and creative. (All adjectives)
• Example 2: He enjoys swimming, biking, and running. (All gerunds)
• Example 3: The teacher asked us to read the chapter, answer the questions, and write an essay. (All infinitives)
• Example 4: The recipe calls for flour, sugar, and butter. (All nouns)
• Example 5: She is not only kind but also generous. (Parallel adjectives connected by a coordinating conjunction)
• Example 6: He went to the store, bought groceries, and came home. (Parallel verbs)

Incorrect Parallel Structure:

• Example 1 (Incorrect): He is intelligent, kind, and has a good sense of humor. (Mix of adjective and verb phrase)
• Example 2 (Incorrect): She likes swimming, biking, and to run. (Mix of gerund and infinitive)
• Example 3 (Incorrect): The students were asked to study, to take notes, and completing the assignment. (Mix of infinitive and gerund)
• Example 4 (Incorrect): The book is interesting, well-written, and I enjoyed it. (Mix of adjective and clause)
• Example 5 (Incorrect): He is taller than his brother and stronger. (Unequal comparison)

Advanced Parallel Structure Considerations:

As you become more proficient, you will encounter more complex scenarios involving correlative conjunctions (e.g., not only…but also, either…or, neither…nor), and longer phrases or clauses that need to maintain parallel structure. Remember that the core principle remains: maintain consistency in grammatical form.

Tips for Mastering Parallel Structure:

• Read widely: Exposing yourself to well-written materials will help you internalize the principles of parallel structure.
• Practice regularly: Work through exercises like those in Apex 2.4.3 and other grammar practice materials.
• Review your writing: Always double-check your own writing for parallel structure errors.
• Seek feedback: Ask others to review your work and point out any areas where parallel structure could be improved.

By diligently studying and practicing, you can significantly improve your ability to identify and use parallel structure correctly. This will not only enhance the grammatical accuracy of your writing but also increase its clarity, impact, and overall professionalism. Remember that understanding the underlying grammatical principles is crucial for confidently tackling parallel structure questions, whether on Apex 2.4.3 or in any other context. The more you practice, the more intuitive it will become.