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Common Uses
11.4 Using Parallelism
Parallel structure in a sentence makes ideas balanced and clear. It is used in:
1. topic sentences and thesis statements Tablets are preferable to laptop computers
• Thesis statements often include three parallel items because of their cost, ease of use, and portability.
that will be discussed.
2. lists of related items Juneau, the capital of Alaska, can be reached by
sea and by air, but not by land.
3. a series of actions The three events in a typical triathlon are
swimming, cycling, and running.
4. paired conjunctions (such as both... and; The scores of students in Group A were greater
either... or) or comparisons (especially with than the scores of students in Group B.
than and as . . . as) In São Paolo, Brazil, November is as hot as
• Comparisons must be between similar items. December.
Juneau can be reached either by sea or by air.
ACTIVITY 2
Circle the letter of the choice that correctly forms a sentence with parallel structure.
1. Physiologists recommend a physical workout that combines stretching, , and cardio training.
a. lift weights b. lifting weights c. to lift weights
2. Some professors give students the choice to work , in pairs, or in groups.
a. individual b. by themselves c. themselves
3. This study tracked the dental health of patients who brushed their teeth manually compared to
electric toothbrushes.
a. patients who used b. they used c. using
4. Consumer Reports compared over 30 packaged cereals in terms of nutrition, package size, and .
a. cost b. how much it cost c. what it cost
5. For many people, adding and subtracting mentally is faster than a calculator.
a. using b. to use c. use
148 Unit 11 Using Parallel Structure
Copyright 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
Copyright 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Copyright 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. WCN 02-200-203
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