Mastering Parallel Structure for SAT Writing
Introduction
Parallel structure, or parallelism, is a fundamental grammar rule tested frequently on the SAT Writing and Language section. It ensures consistency within sentences, making them clear and easy to understand.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What parallel structure is and why it’s important.
- Common types of parallelism errors.
- Strategies to identify and fix parallel structure mistakes.
- Examples and practice questions to reinforce your understanding.
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What is Parallel Structure?
Parallel structure means that items in a list, comparison, or related clauses must follow the same grammatical form.
Correct Example:
- She enjoys hiking, swimming, and biking.
(All items use the same “-ing” verb form.)
Incorrect Example:
- She enjoys hiking, swimming, and to bike.
(The last item breaks the pattern by using “to bike” instead of “biking.”)
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Types of Parallel Structure Errors
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Lists or Series
When items in a list are not parallel, the sentence becomes awkward and incorrect.
Example:
- Incorrect: The program focuses on reading, writing, and to solve problems.
- Correct: The program focuses on reading, writing, and solving problems.
Tip: Look for words like and, or, or but. These are clues that a list requires parallel structure.
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Comparisons
When comparing items, they must follow the same structure.
Example:
- Incorrect: Running a marathon is more challenging than to swim a mile.
- Correct: Running a marathon is more challenging than swimming a mile.
Tip: Look for words like than or as to spot comparison structures.
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Correlative Conjunctions
Pairs like both/and, either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also require parallel structure.
Example:
- Incorrect: She is not only intelligent but also works hard.
- Correct: She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
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Strategies to Identify Parallel Structure Errors
Step 1: Identify the List or Comparison
- Look for conjunctions (and, or, but) or correlative pairs (either/or, not only/but also).
Step 2: Check the Grammatical Forms
- Ensure each item follows the same structure:
- Verb forms (running, swimming, biking)
- Nouns (clarity, structure, accuracy)
- Clauses (She enjoys cooking, she loves reading, she practices writing).
Step 3: Eliminate the Odd One Out
- If one item looks different, it’s likely incorrect.
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Common SAT Parallel Structure Examples
Example 1: Lists
Question: Which sentence is correct?
A. The job requires strong communication, organization, and to lead a team.
B. The job requires strong communication, organization, and leadership.
Answer: B. All items in the list (communication, organization, leadership) are nouns, maintaining parallel structure.
Example 2: Comparisons
Question: Choose the correct sentence:
A. Learning a new language is harder than to master cooking.
B. Learning a new language is harder than mastering cooking.
Answer: B. “Learning” and “mastering” follow the same gerund form.
Example 3: Correlative Conjunctions
Question: Choose the sentence with correct parallelism:
A. She is both talented and works efficiently.
B. She is both talented and efficient.
Answer: B. “Talented” and “efficient” are both adjectives, ensuring parallel structure.
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Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistake 1: Mixing Verb Forms
- Incorrect: He likes to read, writing stories, and to draw.
- Fix: He likes to read, write stories, and draw.
Mistake 2: Inconsistent Noun Forms
- Incorrect: The company values creativity, being organized, and hard work.
- Fix: The company values creativity, organization, and hard work.
Mistake 3: Breaking Correlative Constructions
- Incorrect: The project is either successful or a failure.
- Fix: The project is either successful or unsuccessful.
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SAT Practice Question
Question:
Choose the sentence with correct parallel structure:
- The professor asked us to write an essay, creating a presentation, and to take part in a group discussion.
B. The professor asked us to write an essay, create a presentation, and take part in a group discussion.
Solution:
The correct answer is B because all verbs follow the same infinitive form (write, create, take part).
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Tips to Master Parallel Structure
- Look for Patterns: Lists, comparisons, and paired conjunctions should follow a logical and consistent structure to ensure clarity.
- Check Verb Tenses: Stick to the same verb tense throughout a sentence when listing actions or ideas. For example: “She enjoys swimming, running, and biking” (not “swimming, running, and to bike”).
- Maintain Consistency in Lists: Ensure that items in a list are in the same grammatical form. For instance, “The project requires planning, organizing, and executing” is parallel, while “planning, organizing, and to execute” is not.
- Balance Paired Conjunctions: Use consistent structures with paired conjunctions like “either…or,” “neither…nor,” and “both…and.” Example: “He is both talented and hardworking” (not “talented and works hard”).
- Read Aloud: Reading sentences aloud can help you hear inconsistencies in structure that might not be obvious when reading silently.
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