5 Types of Errors in Parallel Construction of Sentences

5 Types of Errors in Parallel Construction of Sentences 5 Types of Errors in Parallel Construction of Sentences 5 Types of Errors in Parallel Construction of Sentences By Mark Nichol There are numerous ways to inadvertently derail a sentence by failing to provide consistent structure to parallel elements. The following sentences illustrate various types of pitfalls and how they can be avoided. 1. These audits are performed on both an ongoing basis or as part of due diligence. Both is appropriate (but not required) when a second choice is mentioned in addition but not when the reference is in opposition, as here: â€Å"These audits are performed on an ongoing basis or as part of due diligence.† 2. The snakes will be safe from human interference, will have ideal places to hibernate, and plenty of mice and chipmunks to eat. Each of the three phrases in this sentence requires a verb at the head of the phrase: â€Å"The snakes will be safe from human interference, will have ideal places to hibernate, and will have plenty of mice and chipmunks to eat.† 3. Other exhibits include rare movies about San Francisco, a primer on nineteenth-century architecture as well as the twentieth-century history of the city’s gay and lesbian community. â€Å"As well as† is not simply an equivalent substitute for and; it is appropriate only when adding a subordinate clause to a main clause. Also, because the first two items do not constitute a list, they must be connected with a conjunction rather than separated by punctuation: â€Å"Other exhibits include rare movies about San Francisco and a primer on nineteenth-century architecture, as well as the twentieth-century history of the city’s gay and lesbian community.† 4. His latest controversial product didn’t receive as much backlash as expected, but hundreds of orders. The counterpoint in this sentence must, to be parallel, consist of an independent clause, complete with a subject and a verb: â€Å"His latest controversial product didn’t receive as much backlash as expected, but it did result in hundreds of orders.† 5. They must either win Tuesday night or Saturday night to return to the finals. The conjunction either should follow the verb: â€Å"They must win either Tuesday night or Saturday night to return to the finals.† (An exception is if each choice in this sentence is preceded by its own verb, as in â€Å"They must either win Tuesday night or prevail Saturday night to return to the finals.†) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Grammar Test 140 Fish IdiomsBail Out vs. Bale Out