Name: _________________________________ Date: ___________________________
Parallel Structure Worksheet
Determining the Correct Parallel Structure Sentences
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or
more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word,
phrase, or clause level. By balancing the items in a pair or a series so that they
have the same kind of structure, it will make the sentence clearer and easier to
read.
Examples: Peter likes the violin, the flute and the trumpet.
She played tennis, had a breakfast and went to college.
Instruction: Determine the following sentences are parallel in structure. Write (P)
if Parallel and (NP) if not Parallel.
1. Sharon bought a scarf, a teddy bear and a sketchbook.
2. John wanted to travel by car, by train, and then take a bus.
3. They like playing games, riding bicycles and cooking food.
4. Marianne is a good writer, volleyball player and pianist.
5. The entourage will go to Paris, to London and Chicago.
6. James sang, performed and then he went outside.
7. He throws garbage, he grabs wallets, and he runs away.
8. Jenny is in either the classroom or the laboratory.
9. Michael anticipates both to earn a salary and to get a bonus.
10. The weather report was neither accurate nor fair.
11. You can either go with family or friends.
12. The dogs broke not only their chains but also snarled at the guests.
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Name: _________________________________ Date: ___________________________
Parallel Structure Worksheet
Determining the Correct Parallel Structure Sentences
Answer key
Instruction: Determine the following sentences are parallel in structure. Write (P)
if Parallel and (NP) if not Parallel
1. Sharon bought a scarf, a teddy bear and a sketchbook. (P)
2. John wanted to travel by car, by train, and then take a bus. (NP)
3. They like playing games, riding bicycles and cooking food. (P)
4. Marianne is a good writer, volleyball player and pianist. (P)
5. The entourage will go to Paris, to London and Chicago. (NP)
6. James sang, performed and then he went outside. (NP)
7. He throws garbage, he grabs wallets, and he runs away. (P)
8. Jenny is in either the classroom or the laboratory. (P)
9. Michael anticipates both to earn a salary and to get a bonus. (P)
10. The weather report was neither accurate nor fair. (P)
11. You can either go with family or friends. (NP)
12. The dogs broke not only their chains but also snarled at the guests. ( NP)
[Link]
