SAT Prep - Writing

Parallel Structure Errors occur frequently in both Improving Sentences questions and Identifying Sentence Error questions. 

When writing a sentence, related parts of that sentence must be in the same form.  So, if a sentence has multiple parts, each part must be the same:

•  If you are listing actions, all of the verbs must be in the same form
  • I like singing, dancing, and acting.  (Each verb on the list is in the present progressive form)
  • I like to sing, to swim, and to ride a bike (The infinitive form of each verb is used)

• If you are making a list of descriptive words, all of the adjectives/adverbs must be in the same form
  • He ran quickly, steadily and efficiently (All of the adverbs are in the same form)
  • His behavior was quick, steady and efficient (All of the adjectives are in the same form)

• If you use a clause before one part of the sentence, you must use the same clause before the other parts
  • I told you that you should eat, that you should sleep, and that you should breathe (that you should is used before each item on the list)
  • I like to read newspapers, to read magazines, and to read books (to read is used before each item on the list)

• The "voice" of related clauses must be the same (You can't switch from active voice to passive voice)
  • I knew that I would have a chance to speak, that I would have a chance to answer questions, and that I would be quizzed on my work.  (That I would is used before each part of the list and each clause is in active voice because the subject comes before the verb)
  • I know that I can try my best, that I can win, and that I will be rewarded.  (That I can is used before each part of the list, and each clause is in active voice because the subject comes before the verb)