English Sentence Structure:  Parallel Structures

 

Problem-Solving

Both forms must be correct and parallel with each other.  You'll find the answers in the Answer Key.


Solution:    You have to try to forget him and (to) be happy.

Solution:   Asking the court for help is better and safer than hurting another person and then  feeling guilty for what you've done.

Next...


Here are some sentences which lack parallelism.  Can you fix them?  What type of problem did the original sentence have?

What's Wrong with This Sentence?

1.   Solution:      The best thing to do is to ask for help or (to) call the police
       Explanation: Infinitive phrases required.

2.   Solution:        I believe that Japanese cars last longer than American cars.
      Explanation: Plural noun required.

3.  Solution #1    My name, Du Chao, reminds me to be successful and to have courage.
      Explanation:  infinitive phrases required

      Solution #2:  My name, Du Chao, reminds me to be successful and courageous.
      Explanation:  Adjectives required

4.   Solution:       We were talking and (were) trying to understand each other.
      Explanation: Past progressive tense required for both verbs; use parallel verb forms.

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