Parallel Structure
Q: Identify the parallelism error in the sentence below.
She is talented, hardworking, and shows leadership.
The error is “shows leadership”, which breaks the adjective pattern.Parallel structure
Q: Identify and correct the subject–verb agreement error.
The list of requirements are posted on the wall.
A: The subject is list (singular).
Corrected sentence: The list of requirements is posted on the wall.
Q: Identify the modifier error in the sentence below.
Walking through the hallway, the noise was overwhelming.
A: Dangling modifier — the noise is not walking.
Corrected sentence: Walking through the hallway, I found the noise overwhelming.
Q: Identify and correct the pronoun agreement error.
Everyone forgot their ID at home.
A: Everyone is singular.
Corrected sentence: Everyone forgot his or her ID at home.
Q: Identify and correct the apostrophe error.
The company increased it’s profits last year.
A: It’s means it is.
Corrected sentence: The company increased its profits last year.
Identify the error in this sentence: She enjoys reading, to swim, and running.
to swim (it breaks parallel structure)
Q: Identify the true subject and correct the verb.
Along with her teammates, the captain were applauded.
A: The true subject is captain (singular).
Corrected sentence: Along with her teammates, the captain was applauded.
Q: Identify the error and explain why it changes the meaning.
She almost failed every test last semester.
A: Misplaced modifier — almost modifies failed instead of every.
Corrected sentence: She failed almost every test last semester.
Q: Identify the agreement problem and explain why it occurs.
Each of the players said they were ready.
A: Each is singular, but they is plural.
Corrected sentence: Each of the players said he or she was ready.
Q: Explain what is wrong with the apostrophe usage and correct it.
The students notebook was left in the classroom.
A: The noun is plural and possessive.
Corrected sentence: The students’ notebook was left in the classroom.
Fix the error & revise the sentence:
The job requires attention to detail, working fast, and accuracy.
attention to detail, working fast, and being accurate
Q: Identify the agreement error and explain why it occurs.
Neither the teachers nor the principal were informed.
A: The verb must agree with the closest subject (principal, singular).
Corrected sentence: Neither the teachers nor the principal was informed.
Q: Rewrite the sentence to eliminate the modifier problem.
Covered in paint, they noticed the chairs.
A: The modifier incorrectly describes they.
Corrected sentence: They noticed the chairs covered in paint.
Q: Identify the pronoun problem and correct it.
The committee announced their decision this morning.
A: Committee is a singular collective noun.
Corrected sentence: The committee announced its decision this morning.
Q: Identify the apostrophe error and explain why it is incorrect.
Several 1990’s policies are still in effect today.
A: Apostrophes are not used to make plurals.
Corrected sentence: Several 1990s policies are still in effect today.
Revise the sentence to correct parallel structure:
He was praised for his honesty, working hard, and that he helped others.
his honesty, his hard work, and his helpfulness
Q: Correct the sentence and justify your correction.
A number of students is requesting schedule changes.
A: A number of means many (plural).
Corrected sentence: A number of students are requesting schedule changes.
Q: Identify the modifier problem and correct it.
Students who study regularly often improve their grades significantly only.
A: Misplaced / squinting modifier — only creates ambiguity.
Corrected sentence (one acceptable version):
Students who study regularly often improve only their grades significantly.
Q: Identify two pronoun agreement issues in the sentence below and correct them.
Neither the teacher nor the students brought their book with them.
Verb/pronoun agreement must follow the closest subject (students)
book should be plural to match students
Corrected sentence:
Neither the teacher nor the students brought their books with them.
Q: Correct the sentence and explain the difference in meaning.
The teachers lounge is on the second floor.
A: The sentence needs a plural possessive.
Corrected sentence: The teachers’ lounge is on the second floor.
Explanation: The lounge belongs to multiple teachers.
Rewrite the sentence so that it is both grammatically parallel and logically consistent.
The program focuses on developing skills, confidence, and how students lead.
The program focuses on developing skills, building confidence, and cultivating leadership.
Q: Identify and correct two agreement issues in the sentence below.
The team, along with several of its members, are known for their discipline.
Error 1: team is a singular collective noun → verb should be singular
Error 2: Pronoun should match singular noun
Corrected sentence:
The team, along with several of its members, is known for its discipline.
Q: Explain what is wrong with the sentence below and rewrite it clearly.
Running late, the assignment was submitted after midnight.
A: Dangling modifier — the assignment cannot run late.
Corrected sentence: Running late, the student submitted the assignment after midnight.
Q: Explain what makes the sentence below grammatically controversial, then revise it clearly.
If a student wants to succeed, they must manage their time well.
Student is singular, but they is plural (informal singular they)
In formal academic writing, agreement should be explicit
Corrected sentence (one acceptable version):
If a student wants to succeed, he or she must manage time well.
(Also acceptable: Students must manage their time well.)
Q: Identify and correct two apostrophe-related errors in the sentence below.
The committee’s decision surprised all of it’s member’s.
A:
it’s → its (possessive pronoun)
member’s → members (plural, not possessive)
Corrected sentence:
The committee’s decision surprised all of its members.