Parallel Structure
The repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. For example: consistently using “-ing” verbs in a sentence.
What is Parallel structure?
A clause or phrase that is a complete sentence on its own.
What is an independent clause?
The term for a verb whose subject performs the action of the verb. Ex: John painted the fence
What is Active Voice?
Name two reasons that a sentence might need a comma.
A comma is needed before the conjunction in a sentence with more than one independent clause.
A comma is needed after an introductory clause (a dependent clause that is followed by an independent clause)
A comma is needed to separate items in a series or list
A comma is needed on either side of a nonrestrictive clause (clauses not essential to the meaning of a sentence)
A comma is needed on either side of an appositive (a noun that renames another nearby noun).
A comma is needed to indicate direct address
A comma is needed to set off direct quotations
Commas are used to separate dates, numbers and addresses.
To separate two independent clauses with a related topic in the same sentence.
What is a semicolon used for?
Yes, or No. Does the following sentence use parallel structure? She decided to leave her job and travelling the world.
No
A clause or phrase that is an incomplete sentence on its own.
What is a dependent clause?
When the subject of a sentence receives the action of the verb rather than performing the action. Ex: The fence was painted by John
What is Passive Voice?
Where should there be one or more comma(s) in the following sentence: Are you attending my graduation or are you visiting your aunt in Chicago?
The comma should be between graduation and or
Used to give emphasis
present dialogue
introduce lists
composition titles.
What is one thing a colon is used for?
Yes, or No. Does the following sentence use parallel structure? He started the engine, released the hand break, and checked the mirror.
Yes
A sentence that has both an independent clause and a dependent clause. Ex: Because Sarah was late to school, the front office called her mom.
What is a complex sentence?
Is the following sentence active or passive voice? The antelope was chased by the leopard.
Passive
Where should there be one or more comma(s) in the following sentence: Marty ate four pancakes two bacon strips and a bowl of grits.
The comma should separate the items in the list. A comma is needed after pancakes. A comma after strips is optional (it’s an oxford comma).
Should the blank in the following sentence be filled by a colon or a semicolon: Thanks for meeting with me today ___ it was great to finally put a name to the face!
Semicolon because it’s two independent clauses with a shared topic.
Does the following sentence use parallel structure? She wants neither the red one or the yellow one.
No (the OR should be NOR)
A sentence that contains two independent clauses, joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Ex: I went to Paris last fall, but I didn’t get to see the Eiffel Tower.
What is a compound sentence?
Is the following sentence active or passive voice? Dawn played the piano.
Active
Where should there be one or more comma(s) in the following sentence: The movie although Susan enjoyed it immensely left her in tears.
The commas should set off the nonrestrictive clause. There should be a comma after movie and after immensely.
Should the blank in the following sentence be filled by a colon or a semicolon: I have a few favorite classes ___ Math, Theatre, and English
Colon because it's introducing a list
The following sentence is not in parallel structure. Revise it so that it is in parallel structure. He suggested that we go for a meal then we should see a film.
He suggested that we go for a meal then see a film.
What type of sentence is this? How do you know? Whenever it rains, I like to wear my blue raincoat.
Complex because “Whenever it rains” cannot stand on its own as a complete sentence, therefore it is a dependent clause and an independent clause separated by a comma.
The following sentence is in passive voice. How could you phrase it in active voice? Our Spanish class was taught by Senora Ponce.
Senora Ponce taught our Spanish class.
The sentence below correctly uses a comma. What is the comma rule that it is following? Although the sky was cloudy, no rain was in the forecast.
The sentence begins with an introductory clause (dependent clause), so we need a comma to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause.
This sentence is missing punctuation. Where would you place punctuation and would you use a colon or a semicolon? Sonya finished all of her No Red Ink Daniel did not finish all of his.
There should be a semicolon between “Ink” and “Daniel” because there are two independent clauses with a common topic.