The manager was asked to write the report quickly, in a thorough manner, and accurately. The manager was asked to write the report quickly, thoroughly, and accurately.

Parallel Structure Repeating the same pattern of words or phrases to show that two or more ideas have the same grammatical function. Paul likes to read, swim, and writing. WRONG!!! Paul likes to read, swim, and write. Paul likes reading, swimming, and writing. CORRECT!!! Using parallel structure balances your writing and makes it easier to read.

Practice 1.Select the correct way to edit the sentence: Picasso lived in France much of his life painting, he sculpted, making ceramics, and did graphic artwork. A.Picasso lived in France much of his life painting, sculpting, making ceramics, and graphic artwork. B.Picasso lived in France much of his life painting, he sculpted, makes ceramics, and did graphic artwork. C.Picasso lived in France much of his life painting, sculpting, making ceramics, and doing graphic artwork. D.Picasso lived in France much of his life painting, he sculpted, making ceramics, and doing graphic artwork.

Practice 2. Select the sentence that illustrates the proper use of proper parallel structure: A.Margie is looking for a house in a neighborhood that is quiet, has cute houses, and safe. B.Margie is looking for a house in a neighborhood that is quiet, is quaint, and safe. C.Margie is looking for a house in a neighborhood that is quiet, quaint, and safe. D.Margie is looking for a house in a neighborhood that is quiet, quaint, and has no crime.

Practice 3. Which sentence exhibits proper parallel structure? A.Your job consists of taking orders, pouring coffee, and to clear the tables. B.Your job consists of taking orders, the coffee should be poured, and clearing tables. C.Your job consists of taking orders, the coffee should be poured, and the tables should be cleared. D.Your job consists of taking orders, pouring coffee, and clearing tables.

Practice 4. Write a single sentence about three chores your mother wants you to do. Be sure the sentence shows proper parallel structure. “When you get home today, …” When you get home today, put your laundry away, feed the cat, and take your sister to dance class.

Practice 1.Choose the sentence that uses proper parallel structure. A.In her book, Nguyen discusses how she escaped from the Viet Cong, how she came to America, and she adjusted to American life. B.In her book, Nguyen discusses how she escaped from the Viet Cong, coming to America, and her adjustment to American life. C.In her book, Nguyen discusses how she escaped from the Viet Cong, how she came to America, and how she adjusted to American life. D.In her book, Nguyen discusses how she escaped from the Viet Cong, coming to America, and that she adjusted to American life.

Practice 2. Which of the following sentences uses proper parallel structure? A.Mrs. Johnson expects her students to enter her classroom calmly, quietly, and on time. B.Mrs. Johnson expects her students to enter her classroom calmly, be quiet, and be prompt. C.Mrs. Johnson expects her students to enter her classroom calmly, quietly, and promptly. D.Mrs. Johnson expects her students to enter her classroom calmly, as quiet as a mouse, and promptly.

Practice 3. Which of the following sentences uses proper parallel structure? A.She is witty, charming, and has a nice personality. B.I enjoy biking, skating, and walking down by the pier. C.He went shopping yesterday and buys a huge turkey. D.You will need to bring a pen, a calculator, and ruler.

Practice 4. Rewrite the following sentence to correct parallel structure errors. After Bob comes home from work, he picked up the mail, was walking the dogs, and waters the flowers. After Bob comes home from work, he picks up the mail, was walking the dogs, and watered the flowers. After Bob comes home from work, he picks up the mail., walks the dogs, and waters the flowers. After Bob came home from work, he picked up the mail, walked the dogs, and watered the flowers.