Part 7 · Advanced GrammarChapter 30 · Writing Clear Sentences

Lesson30.1

C1Page 126 of 155

Parallelism: Matching Forms

Items in a list or a pair must have the same form: I like swimming, running and cycling (not to cycle). Parallel sentences are clear and strong.

At a glance

Step by stepMake it parallel
  1. 1Find the list or the pairI like swimming, running and to cycle.
  2. 2Look at the form of the first itemswimming
  3. 3Give every item the same formswimming, running and cycling
  4. 4Check pairs tooboth…and, not only…but also, either…or
Key chart
Things that must match
  • Lists with and / or-ing, -ing, -ing / to, to, to / noun, noun, noun
  • Pairsboth … and, either … or, neither … nor, not only … but also
  • Comparisonscompare the same kind of thing
  • Repeated small wordsthe same preposition or article for each item, or only once

In pictures

I like swimming, running and cycling.

She loves to read, to write and to paint.

She not only sings but also dances.

Fix it

Not parallelParallel
She likes reading, writing and to paint.She likes reading, writing and painting.
He is smart, funny and has kindness.He is smart, funny and kind.
The job needs skill and to be patient.The job needs skill and patience.
She not only sings but dances also.She not only sings but also dances.
Either you can come now or later.You can come either now or later.
Dhaka is hotter than London.The weather in Dhaka is hotter than that in London.
I want to eat, drink and to sleep.I want to eat, drink and sleep.

Practice

Answer the questions. Get 7 out of 10 to finish this lesson.

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