Modern English part II—Sentence & Complex Structures

Exercises for Non-native Speakers

1-6 PARALLEL CONSTRUCTION

pp. 13~14

Word, phrases, or clauses joined by the coordinate conjunctions and, or, but
have the same grammatical form (parallelism)。

Her long illness and slow recovery made her very despondent.
(two nouns joined by and)
She doesn’t like to get up in the morning or to go to bed at night.
(two infinitive phrases joined by or)
He told us that his wife had been in an accident but that luckily she had
not. (two that clauses joined by but)

Parallel forms are also required with the paired coordinate conjunctions
(correlatives)--both … and, (n)either … (n)or, not only … but also.

They are either at their country home or at the beach.

Elements contrasted with not are likewise put in parallel form.

He always does what he wants to do, not what he should do.

Informal usage permits the omission of a short structure word like to, that, at
from the last item － They are either at their country home or the beach. In
formal usage it is advisable to repeat such a word。

Make the items in parentheses grammatically parallel to the italicized items

that precede and, or, but or not.
EXAMPLE: He spends his spare time playing golf and (collect, stamps)
He spends his spare time playing golf and collecting stamps.

1. Speaking loudly and (clear), he explained to the owners why the miners
were on strike.
Speaking loudly and clearly, he explained to the owners why the miners
were on strike.
2. I don’t know whether I will get the job or (I, like, it, after I get it).
I don’t know whether I will get the job or whether I will like it after I get it.
3. Having no money but (not, want, anyone, to know), he simply said he
would go without dinner.
Having no money but not wanting anyone to know, he simply said he
would go without dinner.

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 Modern English part II—Sentence & Complex Structures
Exercises for Non-native Speakers
1-6 PARALLEL CONSTRUCTION

4. He asked when the apartment would be available and (how much, it, cost).
He asked when the apartment would be available and how much it would
cost.
5. He did it because he had to do it, not (he, wanted to).
He did it because he had to do it, not because he wanted to.
6. He was fired not only because of his inexcusable absences from the office, but
(he, was, inefficient).
He was fired not only because of his inexcusable absences from the office, but
because of his inefficiency.
7. It is frustrating to spend so much money and (achieve, so little).
It is frustrating to spend so much money and to achieve so little.
8. After seeing the preacher in person and (hear, him, speak), she began to have
more respect for him.
After seeing the preacher in person and hearing him speak, she began to have
more respect for him.
9. He is the kind of person who both admits his mistake and (try, to do better,
the next time).
He is the kind of person who both admits his mistake and tries to do better
the next time.

Correct the items in parentheses so that they are grammatically parallel to the
items that precede and, or, but or not.
EXAMPLE: I like the painting but not (how it is framed).
I like the painting but not the way it is framed.
or … but not the frame.

1. He spends his summer weekends either playing tennis or (at the beach).
He spends his summer weekends either playing tennis or swimming
(bathing, relaxing) at the beach.
2. Wanting to accomplish something and (if you actually accomplish it) may
not be the same thing.
Wanting to accomplish something and actually accomplishing it may not
be the same thing.

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 Modern English part II—Sentence & Complex Structures
Exercises for Non-native Speakers
1-6 PARALLEL CONSTRUCTION

3. There are two kinds of friends: the casual acquaintance and (the friend
who is intimate).
There are two kinds of friends: the casual acquaintance and the intimate
friend.
4. There is a great difference between dining out and (to have a snack at
home).
There is a great difference between dining out and having a snack at
home.
5. Slowly and (in a hesitant manner), he addressed the audience before him.
Slowly and hesitantly, he addressed the audience before him.
6. He donated a great deal of money, either because he is generous or
(because of his desire to get his name into the paper).
He donated a great deal of money, either because he is generous or
because he desires to get his name into the paper.
7. Here are the rules for winning a tennis match: develop a good serve and
(you must keep your eye on the ball).
Here are the rules for winning a tennis match: develop a good serve and
keep your eye on the ball.
8. We should judge people by what they do, not by (outward appearances).
We should judge people by what they do, not by how they look.

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