100 MCQs on Parallelism in Sentence Construction for CUET English
Parallelism in Sentence Construction: Explanation
Parallelism (or parallel structure) is a grammatical principle that ensures similar parts of a sentence—such as items in a list, clauses, or phrases—follow the same structure. It enhances clarity, balance, and rhythm, making sentences easier to read and understand. In English, parallelism is critical when coordinating elements (e.g., using “and,” “or,” “but”) or in comparisons. Errors occur when elements lack consistent grammatical form, such as mixing a gerund with an infinitive or a noun with a verb.
Key Rules:
- Consistency in Form: Use the same grammatical structure for all items (e.g., all nouns, all gerunds, all infinitives).
- Coordinating Conjunctions: Elements joined by “and,” “or,” “nor” must match (e.g., “She likes swimming and hiking,” not “She likes swimming and to hike”).
- Correlative Conjunctions: Pairs like “not only…but also,” “either…or” require parallel forms (e.g., “Not only did he study, but he also practiced”).
- Comparisons: Use parallel structure with “than” or “as” (e.g., “Running is faster than walking,” not “Running is faster than to walk”).
Examples:
- Correct: “He enjoys reading, writing, and painting.” (All gerunds)
- Incorrect: “He enjoys reading, writing, and to paint.” (Mixes gerunds and infinitive)
- Correct: “She is smart, diligent, and reliable.” (All adjectives)
- Incorrect: “She is smart, diligent, and works reliably.” (Mixes adjectives and verb phrase)
For CUET English, parallelism questions test your ability to spot and correct these inconsistencies in Error Spotting and Sentence Improvement formats.
Error Spotting MCQs: Parallelism (1–50)
Instructions: A sentence is divided into four parts (A), (B), (C), and (D). Identify the part with a parallelism error. If none, choose (E) “No Error.”
1–25: Lists
- (A) She loves dancing, (B) singing, (C) and to paint, (D) in her free time.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Dancing, singing, and to paint” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. It should be “painting.” Correct: “She loves dancing, singing, and painting in her free time.”
- (A) The coach trained the team, (B) to run faster, (C) jump higher, (D) and tackling better.
- Answer: (D)
- Explanation: “To run faster, jump higher, and tackling better” mixes infinitives with a gerund. It should be “to tackle better.” Correct: “The coach trained the team to run faster, jump higher, and tackle better.”
- (A) He is good at writing essays, (B) solving problems, (C) and to teach others, (D) in the class.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Writing essays, solving problems, and to teach others” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. It should be “teaching others.” Correct: “He is good at writing essays, solving problems, and teaching others in the class.”
- (A) The project requires planning, (B) coordination, (C) and to execute, (D) effectively.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Planning, coordination, and to execute” mixes nouns with an infinitive. It should be “execution.” Correct: “The project requires planning, coordination, and execution effectively.”
- (A) She prefers reading books, (B) to watching movies, (C) rather than, (D) to listen to music.
- Answer: (D)
- Explanation: “Reading books…rather than to listen to music” mixes a gerund with an infinitive. It should be “listening to music.” Correct: “She prefers reading books to watching movies rather than listening to music.”
- (A) Not only did he study hard, (B) but he also, (C) practiced daily, (D) and succeeds often.
- Answer: (D)
- Explanation: “Did he study hard, practiced daily, and succeeds often” mixes past and present tenses. It should be “succeeded often.” Correct: “Not only did he study hard, but he also practiced daily and succeeded often.”
- (A) The teacher explained the lesson, (B) gave examples, (C) and asking questions, (D) to the students.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Explained, gave, and asking” mixes past verbs with a gerund. It should be “asked.” Correct: “The teacher explained the lesson, gave examples, and asked questions to the students.”
- (A) Hiking in the mountains, (B) is more exciting than, (C) to swim in the sea, (D) during summer.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Hiking…than to swim” mixes a gerund with an infinitive. It should be “swimming.” Correct: “Hiking in the mountains is more exciting than swimming in the sea during summer.”
- (A) The goals are to improve skills, (B) increase productivity, (C) and reducing costs, (D) this year.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “To improve, increase, and reducing” mixes infinitives with a gerund. It should be “reduce.” Correct: “The goals are to improve skills, increase productivity, and reduce costs this year.”
- (A) She can cook, (B) clean, (C) and will sew, (D) very well.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Cook, clean, and will sew” mixes present verbs with a future form. It should be “sew.” Correct: “She can cook, clean, and sew very well.”
- (A) He excels in debating, (B) negotiating, (C) and to lead teams, (D) effectively.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Debating, negotiating, and to lead” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. It should be “leading.” Correct: “He excels in debating, negotiating, and leading teams effectively.”
- (A) The trip involved hiking, (B) camping, (C) and to fish, (D) in the mountains.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Hiking, camping, and to fish” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. It should be “fishing.” Correct: “The trip involved hiking, camping, and fishing in the mountains.”
- (A) Running daily is better than, (B) to lift weights, (C) for overall, (D) fitness.
- Answer: (B)
- Explanation: “Running…than to lift” mixes a gerund with an infinitive. It should be “lifting.” Correct: “Running daily is better than lifting weights for overall fitness.”
- (A) The rules apply to students, (B) teachers, (C) and to the staff, (D) equally.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Students, teachers, and to the staff” mixes nouns with a prepositional phrase. It should be “staff.” Correct: “The rules apply to students, teachers, and staff equally.”
- (A) She can sing, (B) dance, (C) and acts, (D) beautifully.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Sing, dance, and acts” mixes base verbs with a third-person form. It should be “act.” Correct: “She can sing, dance, and act beautifully.”
- (A) The seminar covered planning, (B) to organize events, (C) and managing, (D) resources well.
- Answer: (B)
- Explanation: “Planning, to organize, and managing” mixes a noun, infinitive, and gerund. It should be “organizing.” Correct: “The seminar covered planning, organizing events, and managing resources well.”
- (A) He likes to read, (B) to write, (C) and exercising, (D) every day.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “To read, to write, and exercising” mixes infinitives with a gerund. It should be “to exercise.” Correct: “He likes to read, to write, and to exercise every day.”
- (A) Studying hard is as important as, (B) to practice regularly, (C) for success, (D) in exams.
- Answer: (B)
- Explanation: “Studying…as to practice” mixes a gerund with an infinitive. It should be “practicing.” Correct: “Studying hard is as important as practicing regularly for success in exams.”
- (A) The team was trained in running, (B) jumping, (C) and to throw, (D) accurately.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Running, jumping, and to throw” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. It should be “throwing.” Correct: “The team was trained in running, jumping, and throwing accurately.”
- (A) Either she will study, (B) or she will work, (C) or resting, (D) this weekend.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Will study, will work, or resting” mixes future verbs with a gerund. It should be “will rest.” Correct: “Either she will study, or she will work, or she will rest this weekend.”
- (A) Not only was he smart, (B) but also diligent, (C) and worked reliably, (D) in his tasks.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Smart, diligent, and worked reliably” mixes adjectives with a verb phrase. It should be “reliable.” Correct: “Not only was he smart, but also diligent, and reliable in his tasks.”
- (A) She is interested in painting, (B) sketching, (C) and to sculpt, (D) as hobbies.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Painting, sketching, and to sculpt” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. It should be “sculpting.” Correct: “She is interested in painting, sketching, and sculpting as hobbies.”
- (A) The job demands focus, (B) effort, (C) and to be patient, (D) every day.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Focus, effort, and to be patient” mixes nouns with an infinitive phrase. It should be “patience.” Correct: “The job demands focus, effort, and patience every day.”
- (A) He was praised for his honesty, (B) integrity, (C) and working hard, (D) by the team.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Honesty, integrity, and working hard” mixes nouns with a gerund. It should be “hard work.” Correct: “He was praised for his honesty, integrity, and hard work by the team.”
- (A) Walking to school is faster than, (B) to take the bus, (C) during rush hour, (D) every day.
- Answer: (B)
- Explanation: “Walking…than to take” mixes a gerund with an infinitive. It should be “taking.” Correct: “Walking to school is faster than taking the bus during rush hour every day.”
26–35: Comparisons and Correlative Conjunctions
- (A) Reading novels is more fun than, (B) to watch movies, (C) on weekends, (D) with friends.
- Answer: (B)
- Explanation: “Reading…than to watch” mixes a gerund with an infinitive. It should be “watching.” Correct: “Reading novels is more fun than watching movies on weekends with friends.”
- (A) Not only does she sing well, (B) but she also, (C) dances gracefully, (D) and acts confident.
- Answer: (D)
- Explanation: “Sing well, dances gracefully, and acts confident” mixes verb phrases with an adjective. It should be “acts confidently.” Correct: “Not only does she sing well, but she also dances gracefully and acts confidently.”
- (A) He would rather study now, (B) than to play games, (C) later this evening, (D) with his friends.
- Answer: (B)
- Explanation: “Study…than to play” mixes a base verb with an infinitive. It should be “play.” Correct: “He would rather study now than play games later this evening with his friends.”
- (A) Either the teacher explains, (B) or the students, (C) ask questions, (D) during class.
- Answer: (E)
- Explanation: “Explains…or ask” is parallel (present tense verbs). No error.
- (A) Painting is as relaxing as, (B) to meditate, (C) after a long day, (D) at work.
- Answer: (B)
- Explanation: “Painting…as to meditate” mixes a gerund with an infinitive. It should be “meditating.” Correct: “Painting is as relaxing as meditating after a long day at work.”
- (A) Not only did he finish early, (B) but he also, (C) helped others, (D) and rests afterward.
- Answer: (D)
- Explanation: “Did he finish, helped, and rests” mixes past and present tenses. It should be “rested.” Correct: “Not only did he finish early, but he also helped others and rested afterward.”
- (A) She runs faster than, (B) he swims, (C) in their respective, (D) sports events.
- Answer: (E)
- Explanation: “Runs…than he swims” is parallel (present tense). No error.
- (A) Either we leave now, (B) or we wait, (C) and missing the bus, (D) this afternoon.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Leave, wait, and missing” mixes verbs with a gerund. It should be “miss.” Correct: “Either we leave now, or we wait and miss the bus this afternoon.”
- (A) Learning new skills is better than, (B) to waste time, (C) on trivial tasks, (D) daily.
- Answer: (B)
- Explanation: “Learning…than to waste” mixes a gerund with an infinitive. It should be “wasting.” Correct: “Learning new skills is better than wasting time on trivial tasks daily.”
- (A) Not only was the play entertaining, (B) but it was also, (C) educational, (D) and inspires viewers.
- Answer: (D)
- Explanation: “Entertaining, educational, and inspires” mixes adjectives with a verb. It should be “inspiring.” Correct: “Not only was the play entertaining, but it was also educational and inspiring to viewers.”
36–50: Complex Sentences
- (A) She enjoys cooking meals, (B) cleaning the house, (C) and to garden, (D) on weekends.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Cooking, cleaning, and to garden” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. It should be “gardening.” Correct: “She enjoys cooking meals, cleaning the house, and gardening on weekends.”
- (A) After finishing work, (B) he likes to relax, (C) to read books, (D) and watching TV.
- Answer: (D)
- Explanation: “To relax, to read, and watching” mixes infinitives with a gerund. It should be “to watch.” Correct: “After finishing work, he likes to relax, to read books, and to watch TV.”
- (A) The manager trained employees, (B) assigned tasks, (C) and was evaluating, (D) their progress daily.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Trained, assigned, and was evaluating” mixes simple past with a progressive form. It should be “evaluated.” Correct: “The manager trained employees, assigned tasks, and evaluated their progress daily.”
- (A) Writing essays requires focus, (B) research skills, (C) and to edit carefully, (D) every time.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Focus, research skills, and to edit” mixes nouns with an infinitive. It should be “editing.” Correct: “Writing essays requires focus, research skills, and editing carefully every time.”
- (A) Before leaving, (B) she packed her bags, (C) checked the tickets, (D) and calls her friend.
- Answer: (D)
- Explanation: “Packed, checked, and calls” mixes past and present tenses. It should be “called.” Correct: “Before leaving, she packed her bags, checked the tickets, and called her friend.”
- (A) The team planned the event, (B) invited guests, (C) and to prepare food, (D) last week.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Planned, invited, and to prepare” mixes past verbs with an infinitive. It should be “prepared.” Correct: “The team planned the event, invited guests, and prepared food last week.”
- (A) Studying late, (B) skipping meals, (C) and to neglect sleep, (D) harms students’ health.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Studying, skipping, and to neglect” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. It should be “neglecting.” Correct: “Studying late, skipping meals, and neglecting sleep harms students’ health.”
- (A) He promised to call me, (B) to meet later, (C) and sending an email, (D) about the plan.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “To call, to meet, and sending” mixes infinitives with a gerund. It should be “to send.” Correct: “He promised to call me, to meet later, and to send an email about the plan.”
- (A) The book teaches reading skills, (B) writing techniques, (C) and to think critically, (D) for students.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Reading skills, writing techniques, and to think” mixes nouns with an infinitive. It should be “critical thinking.” Correct: “The book teaches reading skills, writing techniques, and critical thinking for students.”
- (A) After the game, (B) they celebrated, (C) ate dinner, (D) and will rest well.
- Answer: (D)
- Explanation: “Celebrated, ate, and will rest” mixes past and future tenses. It should be “rested.” Correct: “After the game, they celebrated, ate dinner, and rested well.”
- (A) She is talented at singing, (B) dancing gracefully, (C) and to play the piano, (D) beautifully.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Singing, dancing, and to play” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. It should be “playing.” Correct: “She is talented at singing, dancing gracefully, and playing the piano beautifully.”
- (A) Preparing for exams involves revising notes, (B) practicing questions, (C) and to stay calm, (D) under pressure.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Revising, practicing, and to stay” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. It should be “staying.” Correct: “Preparing for exams involves revising notes, practicing questions, and staying calm under pressure.”
- (A) He worked hard, (B) saved money, (C) and plans to travel, (D) next year.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Worked, saved, and plans” mixes past and present tenses. It should be “planned.” Correct: “He worked hard, saved money, and planned to travel next year.”
- (A) The teacher encouraged asking questions, (B) sharing ideas, (C) and to listen actively, (D) in class.
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Asking, sharing, and to listen” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. It should be “listening.” Correct: “The teacher encouraged asking questions, sharing ideas, and listening actively in class.”
- (A) During the trip, (B) they hiked trails, (C) took photos, (D) and will swim in the lake.
- Answer: (D)
- Explanation: “Hiked, took, and will swim” mixes past and future tenses. It should be “swam.” Correct: “During the trip, they hiked trails, took photos, and swam in the lake.”
Sentence Improvement MCQs: Parallelism (1–50)
Instructions: A sentence has an underlined part. Choose the option that best improves parallelism. If no improvement is needed, select (D) “No Improvement.”
1–25: Lists
- She enjoys swimming, hiking, and to ride bikes.
- (A) swimming, hiking, and riding
- (B) to swim, to hike, and to ride
- (C) swimming, to hike, and riding
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Swimming, hiking, and to ride” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. “Riding” ensures all gerunds. Correct: “She enjoys swimming, hiking, and riding bikes.”
- The plan is to study, to work, and resting later.
- (A) to study, to work, and to rest
- (B) studying, working, and resting
- (C) study, work, and rest
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “To study, to work, and resting” mixes infinitives with a gerund. “To rest” maintains parallelism. Correct: “The plan is to study, to work, and to rest later.”
- He is skilled at writing, teaching, and to manage teams.
- (A) writing, teaching, and managing
- (B) to write, to teach, and to manage
- (C) writing, to teach, and managing
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Writing, teaching, and to manage” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. “Managing” aligns all gerunds. Correct: “He is skilled at writing, teaching, and managing teams.”
- The job requires precision, patience, and being reliable.
- (A) precision, patience, and reliability
- (B) being precise, patient, and reliable
- (C) precision, being patient, and reliability
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Precision, patience, and being reliable” mixes nouns with a gerund. “Reliability” keeps all nouns. Correct: “The job requires precision, patience, and reliability.”
- She prefers to read novels rather than watching movies.
- (A) reading novels rather than watching
- (B) to read novels rather than to watch
- (C) reading novels to watching
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “To read…rather than watching” mixes an infinitive with a gerund. “Reading…rather than watching” uses parallel gerunds. Correct: “She prefers reading novels rather than watching movies.”
- He likes to swim, jog, and playing tennis.
- (A) to swim, jog, and play
- (B) swimming, jogging, and playing
- (C) to swim, to jog, and to play
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “To swim, jog, and playing” mixes infinitives with a gerund. “To play” ensures all infinitives. Correct: “He likes to swim, to jog, and to play tennis.”
- The course teaches research, analysis, and to write reports.
- (A) research, analysis, and writing
- (B) researching, analyzing, and writing
- (C) to research, to analyze, and to write
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Research, analysis, and to write” mixes nouns with an infinitive. “Writing” keeps all nouns (implied gerunds). Correct: “The course teaches research, analysis, and writing reports.”
- She is responsible for planning, organizing, and to execute events.
- (A) planning, organizing, and executing
- (B) to plan, to organize, and to execute
- (C) planning, to organize, and executing
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Planning, organizing, and to execute” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. “Executing” aligns all gerunds. Correct: “She is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing events.”
- The movie was exciting, funny, and thrilled audiences.
- (A) exciting, funny, and thrilling
- (B) excited, funny, and thrilled
- (C) exciting, humorous, and thrilled
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Exciting, funny, and thrilled” mixes adjectives with a verb. “Thrilling” keeps all adjectives. Correct: “The movie was exciting, funny, and thrilling audiences.”
- He prefers to walk than driving to work.
- (A) walking to driving
- (B) to walk rather than to drive
- (C) walking than driving
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “To walk than driving” mixes an infinitive with a gerund. “Walking to driving” uses parallel gerunds. Correct: “He prefers walking to driving to work.”
- The team needs to practice, to strategize, and resting before the game.
- (A) to practice, to strategize, and to rest
- (B) practicing, strategizing, and resting
- (C) practice, strategize, and rest
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “To practice, to strategize, and resting” mixes infinitives with a gerund. “To rest” ensures parallelism. Correct: “The team needs to practice, to strategize, and to rest before the game.”
- She excels at singing, dancing, and to act on stage.
- (A) singing, dancing, and acting
- (B) to sing, to dance, and to act
- (C) singing, to dance, and acting
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Singing, dancing, and to act” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. “Acting” aligns all gerunds. Correct: “She excels at singing, dancing, and acting on stage.”
- The book covers history, science, and to explore space.
- (A) history, science, and space exploration
- (B) history, science, and exploring
- (C) to cover history, science, and space
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (B)
- Explanation: “History, science, and to explore” mixes nouns with an infinitive. “Exploring” aligns as gerunds (implied). Correct: “The book covers history, science, and exploring space.”
- He is known for his kindness, honesty, and working hard.
- (A) his kindness, honesty, and hard work
- (B) being kind, honest, and hardworking
- (C) kindness, being honest, and hard work
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Kindness, honesty, and working hard” mixes nouns with a gerund. “Hard work” keeps all nouns. Correct: “He is known for his kindness, honesty, and hard work.”
- She would rather read books than to watch TV.
- (A) read books than watch
- (B) reading books than watching
- (C) to read books than to watch
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Read…than to watch” mixes a base verb with an infinitive. “Read…than watch” uses parallel base forms after “would rather.” Correct: “She would rather read books than watch TV.”
- The job demands skill, dedication, and to be punctual daily.
- (A) skill, dedication, and punctuality
- (B) skill, dedicating, and being punctual
- (C) to be skillful, dedicated, and punctual
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Skill, dedication, and to be punctual” mixes nouns with an infinitive. “Punctuality” keeps all nouns. Correct: “The job demands skill, dedication, and punctuality daily.”
- She is smart, creative, and works efficiently in her role.
- (A) smart, creative, and efficient
- (B) smart, creating, and working efficiently
- (C) smartly, creatively, and efficiently
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Smart, creative, and works efficiently” mixes adjectives with a verb phrase. “Efficient” aligns all adjectives. Correct: “She is smart, creative, and efficient in her role.”
- He enjoys reading books, watching films, and to listen to music.
- (A) reading books, watching films, and listening
- (B) to read books, to watch films, and to listen
- (C) reading books, to watch films, and listening
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Reading, watching, and to listen” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. “Listening” ensures all gerunds. Correct: “He enjoys reading books, watching films, and listening to music.”
- The recipe requires flour, sugar, and mixing well.
- (A) flour, sugar, and butter
- (B) flour, sugar, and mixing thoroughly
- (C) mixing flour, sugar, and butter
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Flour, sugar, and mixing” mixes nouns with a gerund. “Butter” maintains parallelism with nouns. Correct: “The recipe requires flour, sugar, and butter well.”
- She values honesty, kindness, and to help others.
- (A) honesty, kindness, and helpfulness
- (B) being honest, kind, and helpful
- (C) honesty, kindness, and helping
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Honesty, kindness, and to help” mixes nouns with an infinitive. “Helpfulness” keeps all nouns. Correct: “She values honesty, kindness, and helpfulness.”
- The team showed effort, teamwork, and being resilient throughout.
- (A) effort, teamwork, and resilience
- (B) effort, teamworking, and resilience
- (C) effort, teamwork, and resilient
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Effort, teamwork, and being resilient” mixes nouns with a gerund phrase. “Resilience” aligns all nouns. Correct: “The team showed effort, teamwork, and resilience throughout.”
- He is good at solving puzzles, drawing pictures, and to cook meals.
- (A) solving puzzles, drawing pictures, and cooking
- (B) to solve puzzles, to draw pictures, and to cook
- (C) solving puzzles, to draw pictures, and cooking
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Solving, drawing, and to cook” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. “Cooking” ensures all gerunds. Correct: “He is good at solving puzzles, drawing pictures, and cooking meals.”
- The festival celebrates dance, music, and to perform arts.
- (A) dance, music, and performance
- (B) dancing, music, and performing
- (C) dance, music, and performing
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “Dance, music, and to perform” mixes nouns with an infinitive. “Performing” aligns as gerunds (implied). Correct: “The festival celebrates dance, music, and performing arts.”
- She needs courage, strength, and to stay calm in crises.
- (A) courage, strength, and calmness
- (B) courage, strength, and staying calm
- (C) being courageous, strong, and calm
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Courage, strength, and to stay calm” mixes nouns with an infinitive. “Calmness” keeps all nouns. Correct: “She needs courage, strength, and calmness in crises.”
- The project demands planning, research, and to analyze data.
- (A) planning, research, and analysis
- (B) planning, researching, and analyzing
- (C) to plan, to research, and to analyze
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Planning, research, and to analyze” mixes nouns with an infinitive. “Analysis” aligns all nouns. Correct: “The project demands planning, research, and analysis data.”
26–50: Clause-Level Parallelism
- She planned the event, decorated the venue, and will cater the food.
- (A) planned the event, decorated the venue, and catered
- (B) plans the event, decorates the venue, and caters
- (C) planning the event, decorating the venue, and catering
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Planned, decorated, and will cater” mixes past and future tenses. “Catered” ensures all past tense. Correct: “She planned the event, decorated the venue, and catered the food.”
- He likes to hike in the mountains rather than swimming in the sea.
- (A) to hike in the mountains rather than to swim
- (B) hiking in the mountains rather than swimming
- (C) to hike in the mountains than swimming
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (B)
- Explanation: “To hike…rather than swimming” mixes an infinitive with a gerund. “Hiking…rather than swimming” uses parallel gerunds. Correct: “He likes hiking in the mountains rather than swimming in the sea.”
- The teacher explains concepts, gives examples, and asking questions.
- (A) explains concepts, gives examples, and asks
- (B) explaining concepts, giving examples, and asking
- (C) explains concepts, giving examples, and asking
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Explains, gives, and asking” mixes verbs with a gerund. “Asks” aligns all verbs. Correct: “The teacher explains concepts, gives examples, and asks questions.”
- She would rather study now than to work later.
- (A) study now than work
- (B) studying now than working
- (C) to study now than to work
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Study…than to work” mixes a base verb with an infinitive. “Study…than work” uses parallel base forms after “would rather.” Correct: “She would rather study now than work later.”
- The team practiced daily, competed fiercely, and resting afterward.
- (A) practiced daily, competed fiercely, and rested
- (B) practicing daily, competing fiercely, and resting
- (C) practices daily, competes fiercely, and rests
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Practiced, competed, and resting” mixes past verbs with a gerund. “Rested” ensures all past tense. Correct: “The team practiced daily, competed fiercely, and rested afterward.”
- He promised to call, to meet, and sending a message later.
- (A) promised to call, to meet, and to send
- (B) promising to call, to meet, and to send
- (C) promised calling, meeting, and sending
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “To call, to meet, and sending” mixes infinitives with a gerund. “To send” aligns all infinitives. Correct: “He promised to call, to meet, and to send a message later.”
- She is skilled at painting portraits, sculpting statues, and to draw sketches.
- (A) painting portraits, sculpting statues, and drawing
- (B) to paint portraits, to sculpt statues, and to draw
- (C) painting portraits, to sculpt statues, and drawing
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Painting, sculpting, and to draw” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. “Drawing” ensures all gerunds. Correct: “She is skilled at painting portraits, sculpting statues, and drawing sketches.”
- The seminar covered planning strategies, organizing tasks, and to manage time.
- (A) covered planning strategies, organizing tasks, and managing
- (B) covers planning strategies, organizing tasks, and managing
- (C) covered planning, organizing, and managing
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Planning, organizing, and to manage” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. “Managing” aligns all gerunds. Correct: “The seminar covered planning strategies, organizing tasks, and managing time.”
- He worked late, skipped lunch, and will miss dinner tonight.
- (A) worked late, skipped lunch, and missed
- (B) working late, skipping lunch, and missing
- (C) works late, skips lunch, and misses
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Worked, skipped, and will miss” mixes past and future tenses. “Missed” ensures all past tense. Correct: “He worked late, skipped lunch, and missed dinner tonight.”
- She prefers to read novels, watch movies, and listening to music.
- (A) to read novels, watch movies, and listen
- (B) reading novels, watching movies, and listening
- (C) to read novels, to watch movies, and to listen
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (C)
- Explanation: “To read, watch, and listening” mixes infinitives with a gerund. “To listen” aligns all infinitives. Correct: “She prefers to read novels, to watch movies, and to listen to music.”
- The coach trained the team, motivated players, and setting goals.
- (A) trained the team, motivated players, and set
- (B) training the team, motivating players, and setting
- (C) trains the team, motivates players, and sets
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Trained, motivated, and setting” mixes past verbs with a gerund. “Set” ensures all past tense. Correct: “The coach trained the team, motivated players, and set goals.”
- She studies hard, attends classes, and will submit assignments on time.
- (A) studies hard, attends classes, and submits
- (B) studying hard, attending classes, and submitting
- (C) studied hard, attended classes, and submitted
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Studies, attends, and will submit” mixes present and future tenses. “Submits” aligns all present tense. Correct: “She studies hard, attends classes, and submits assignments on time.”
- He is known for writing books, teaching students, and to inspire others.
- (A) writing books, teaching students, and inspiring
- (B) to write books, to teach students, and to inspire
- (C) writing books, to teach students, and inspiring
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Writing, teaching, and to inspire” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. “Inspiring” ensures all gerunds. Correct: “He is known for writing books, teaching students, and inspiring others.”
- The trip involved hiking trails, camping overnight, and to fish in the river.
- (A) hiking trails, camping overnight, and fishing
- (B) to hike trails, to camp overnight, and to fish
- (C) hiking trails, to camp overnight, and fishing
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Hiking, camping, and to fish” mixes gerunds with an infinitive. “Fishing” aligns all gerunds. Correct: “The trip involved hiking trails, camping overnight, and fishing in the river.”
- She prepared the lesson, taught the class, and will grade papers later.
- (A) prepared the lesson, taught the class, and graded
- (B) preparing the lesson, teaching the class, and grading
- (C) prepares the lesson, teaches the class, and grades
- (D) No Improvement
- Answer: (A)
- Explanation: “Prepared, taught, and will grade” mixes past and future tenses. “Graded” ensures all past tense. Correct: “She prepared the lesson, taught the class, and graded papers later.”