A student is writing an essay and wants to avoid common grammatical errors. They have written the following sentence: "The primary goal of the project was to identify the root causes of customer dissatisfaction, and to implement effective solutions." Which grammatical principle is violated in this sentence?
- ASubject-verb agreement
- BParallel structure
- CDangling modifier
- DPronoun-antecedent agreement
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Parallel structure
The sentence lists two items that are part of the 'primary goal': 'to identify' and 'to implement.' Both should be presented in a grammatically similar form. The inclusion of 'and' but then repeating 'to' before 'implement' creates a slight break in parallel structure. The 'to' is redundant and breaks the parallelism. The sentence should ideally be 'to identify... and implement...'.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Subject-verb agreement is correct; 'goal' (singular) matches 'was' (singular).
- C. There is no introductory phrase that could be misinterpreted as a dangling modifier.
- D. There are no pronouns in the sentence that violate pronoun-antecedent agreement.
Parallel Structure (Parallelism)
Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence or across sentences. By making sure all items in a list or series, or elements in a comparison, have the same grammatical structure, writers create balance, rhythm, and clarity.
- Applies to words, phrases, or clauses in a series.
- Ensures elements are grammatically similar (e.g., all nouns, all verbs, all infinitives).
- Enhances readability, clarity, and rhetorical effect.
- Commonly seen in lists, comparisons, and correlative conjunctions (e.g., 'either/or').
Memory trick: Grammar builds strong sentences; structure gives them form.