Name: ______

Faulty Parallelism

Recognizing Faulty Parallelism

Parallelism is the placement of equal ideas in words, phrases, or clauses of similar type.

EXERCISE A: Recognizing Parallel Ideas. Underline the parallel ideas in each sentence.

EXAMPLE: Ms. Downing has already gained considerable fame on stage, on television, and in the movies.

  1. The summer program includes courses in cooking, sewing, and painting.
  2. The safest way to lose weight is by eating less and by exercising more.
  3. Entries will be judged for originality and for aptness of expression.
  4. The history of the Pony Express was brief but colorful.
  5. Polonius advised his son to be true to himself, to value his friends, and to keep his own counsel.
  6. The increase in the sales tax will not affect the pris of groceries, children’s clothing, or prescription drugs.
  7. Management hopes to improve profits by cutting costs, increasing productivity, and improving distribution.
  8. Ms. Collins stressed the importance of taking careful notes and reviewing the material daily.
  9. As yet the inspector has no idea who could have committed so bizarre a crime or what the motive might have been.
  10. A good adviser should be imaginative, patient, and sympathetic.

EXERCISE B: Distinguishing Between Correct and Faulty Parallelism. In the blank at the right, indicate whether each sentence is correct as written (C) or contains faulty parallelism (F).

EXAMPLE: The guidance counselor recommended studying harder and to turn off the television set at homework time. ___F___

  1. You can apply the stain with a cloth or by brushing it on. ____
  2. The witness testified calmly, clearly, and convincingly. ____
  3. A successful ballerina needs skill, stamina, and to have good coordination. ____
  4. Skateboarding, roller skating, and bicycle riding are not permitted. ____
  5. The inspector reported the situation and that something should be done. ____
  6. The morning was hot, muggy, and with a cloudy sky. ____
  7. The Altima is roomy, inexpensive, and operates efficiently. ____
  8. Carol likes browsing through encyclopedias and to learn odd facts. ____
  9. The company’s annual report showed an increase in sales but that profits had dropped. ____
  10. Disease-causing agents may be present in air, food, or water. ____

Correcting Faulty Parallelism

Correct a sentence containing faulty parallelism by rewriting it so that each parallel idea is expressing the same grammatical structure.

Nonparallel Structures / Parallel Structures
The manager protested loudly and with emotion. / The manager protested loudly and emotionally.
A guard dog must be tough, obedient, and without fear. / A guard dog must be tough, obedient, and fearless.
Mr. Darling liked weeding his garden, mowing his lawn, and to putter ground his house. / Mr. Darling liked weeding his garden, mowing his lawn, and puttering around his house.
The twins were identical in appearance and how they behaved. / The twins were identical in appearance and behavior.
The Dolphins were elated over defeating the Seals and because they had won the championship. / The dolphins were elated over defeating the Seals and winning the championship.

EXERCISE A: Identifying Faulty Parallelism. Underline the nonparallel structures in each sentence below.

EXAMPLE: The children loved playing in the surf and to build sand castles on the beach.

  1. The candidate was criticized for being colorless and that he was overly cautious.
  2. Paul likes cooking but dislikes to clean up afterward.
  3. Mr. Taylor needs someone who will help in the stock room and to make deliveries.
  4. Reading the book was fun but to write a report on it was hard.
  5. The pianist played with great feeling but occasionally hitting some sour notes.
  6. The scouts especially liked hiking and to camp out.
  7. The company can become profitable by cutting costs or sell more widgets.
  8. Nick enjoyed receiving letters but not to write them.
  9. The main duties of the job are typing, filing, and to do simple bookkeeping.
  10. If you plan on flying or to take a train this weekend, you can expect crowds.

EXERCISE B: Correcting Faulty Parallelism. Rewrite five sentences in Exercise A, correcting the faulty parallelism.

EXAMPLE: The children loved to play in the surf and to build sand castles on the beach.

  1. ______
  2. ______
  3. ______
  4. ______
  5. ______