 Here are some general guidelines for keeping your balance in sentences: Words in a series must all be in the same form (all verbs, adjectives, nouns, etc.) YES: Chewing tobacco, dipping snuff, and smoking cigarettes all cause wrinkles. YES: Tobacco, snuff, and cigarettes all cause wrinkles. NO: Chewing tobacco, dipping snuff, and cigarettes all cause wrinkles.

TThe factory workers were ready. TThe factory workers were able. TThe factory workers were determined.

TThe computer network is safer. TThe computer is stronger. TThe computer network is securer/more secure. This sentence is correct!

WWe cannot be worried _____ difficulties in life. WWe cannot be terrified of difficulties in life.

MMary likes hiking. MMary likes swimming. MMary likes to cook.

TThe requirements for a chemistry degree TThe requirements for a medical degree ›T›To eliminate any repetition, cancel out any duplicate terms. ›S›Sometimes pronouns are needed to replace nouns to preserve the meaning in a sentence.

YYou can join the army. YYou can join the navy.

TThe reorganization of the company is not simple. TThe reorganization of the company is not cheap.

II learned how to play piano. II learned how to play guitar.

FFred supports the idea because it is simple. FFred supports the idea because it is unique.

TThey are our friends. TThey are __________ ›I›In a parallel structure, the items in a list must be the same, ›W›What part of speech is “friends” ›W›What noun is used to name someone who is “not your friend?”