SAT Reading & Writing: Parallel Structure in Complex Lists
22+ practice questions in Praczo
The concept, explained
- 1
Lists that involve entire phrases or clauses, rather than just single words, must still adhere strictly to parallel structure.
- 2
If a list starts with "that" clauses ("that we must unify, that we must fight..."), the final item must also be a "that" clause.
- 3
If items begin with a preposition ("by land, by sea, and by air"), maintain the preposition for clarity, especially in long sentences.
- 4
When resolving parallel structure errors in complex sentences, find the exact items being listed and ensure their opening grammatical structure matches.
- ✗ Losing track of the list's structure in a very long sentence and selecting a choice that breaks the pattern.
- ✗ Mixing gerund phrases (e.g., "implementing new policies") with infinitive phrases ("to reduce costs") in the same series.
SAT-style practice
The new executive outlined her goals: increasing shareholder value, expanding into Asian markets, and _____ the company's environmental impact.
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