Start here · the first lesson of Parallel structure
Parallel structure
Grammar: Voice, Narration, Tenses + Rule Bank · for IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT
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The idea
Items joined by and / or, items in a list, and the two halves of a correlative pair (not only… but also, either… or, neither… nor, both… and) must have the same grammatical form. A sentence that mixes forms (reading, painting and to cycle) is unbalanced and wrong. Indore 2020 Q18 (not only on the plight of abandoned dogs, but also on that of overworked bulls) tests this.
Textbook vs exam method
Textbook method
Lists (parallel-list)
| Right | Wrong |
|---|---|
| She likes reading, painting and cycling. | She likes reading, painting and to cycle. |
| The job requires good communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure. | …and to be able to work under pressure. |
| The manager is strict, fair and approachable. | …strict, fair and she is approachable. |
| tips on what to pack, where to stay and how to save money | tips on what to pack, where to stay and saving money |
Correlative pairs (parallel-correlative)
| Right | Wrong |
|---|---|
| He is not only clever but also hard-working. (adjective / adjective) | He is not only clever but also works hard. |
| The judges looked not only at the models but also at the reports. (at + noun / at + noun) | The judges looked not only at the models but also the reports were checked. |
| The project was both useful and cheap. | The project was both useful and it was cheap. |
| You can pay either by card or in cash. | You can pay either by card or by paying cash. |
Position matters too: if "not only" comes before the verb, "but also" must come before a verb (She not only sings but also dances).
Exam method
- Find the joiner. (and, or, a comma list, or a correlative pair).
- Write the items one under another. in your head; mark the form of each.
- Find the odd one out. that part has the error (or that option fixes it).
- For pairs. , compare the words right after each half.