Use Parallel Structure With Coordinate Conjunctions

Skill

Use Parallel Structure With Coordinate Conjunctions

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The job of the coordinate conjunctions (and, but, or) is to join together equal expressions. In other words, what is on one side of these words must be parallel to what is on the other side. These conjunctions can join nouns, or verbs, or adjectives, or phrases, or subordinate clauses, or main clauses;
they just must join together two of the same thing.

Here are examples of two nouns joined by a coordinate conjunction:

I need to talk to the manager or assistant manager.
You can choose from activities such as hiking and kayaking.

Here are examples of two verbs joined by a coordinate conjunction:

He only eats and sleeps when he takes a vacation.
She invites us to her home but never talks with us.
You can stay home or go to the movies with us.

Here are examples of two adjectives joined by a coordinate conjunction:

My boss is sincere and nice.
The exam that he gave was short but difficult.
Class can be interesting or boring.

Here are examples of two phrases joined by a coordinate conjunction:

There are students in the classroom and in front of the building.
The papers are on my desk or in the drawer.
The checks will be ready not at noon but at 1:00.

Here are examples of two clauses joined by a coordinate conjunction:

They are not interested in what you say or what you do.
I am here because I have to be and because I want to be.
Mr. Brown likes to go home early, but his wife prefers to stay late.

Exercise

Complete the following exercises to reinforce what you’ve learned:

EXERCISE 24: Each of the following sentences contains words or groups of words that should be parallel. Circle the word that indicates that the sentence should have parallel parts. Underline the parts that should be parallel.
Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

  1. _I_ She held jobs as a typist, a housekeeper, and in a restaurant.
  2. _C_ The report you are looking for could be in the file or on the desk.
  3. _____ She works very hard but usually gets below-average grades.
  4. _____ The speaker introduced himself, told several interesting anecdotes, and finishing with an emotional plea.
  5. _____ You should know when the program starts and how many units you must complete.
  6. _____ The term paper he wrote was rather short but very impressive.
  7. _____ She suggested taking the plane this evening or that we go by train tomorrow.
  8. _____ The dean or the assistant dean will inform you of when and where you should apply for your diploma.
  9. _____ There are papers to file, reports to type, and those letters should be answered.
  10. _____ The manager needed a quick but thorough response.

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