GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageMedium
A chef is writing a recipe. Which sentence correctly uses parallelism?
- AFirst, chop the onions, then you should sauté them, and finally, add the garlic.
- BFirst, chopping the onions, then sauté them, and finally, add the garlic.
- CFirst, chop the onions; then sautéing them; and finally, adding the garlic.
- DFirst, chop the onions; then sauté them; and finally, add the garlic.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. First, chop the onions; then sauté them; and finally, add the garlic.
Parallelism requires that items in a series or elements performing similar functions have the same grammatical structure. Option B uses consistent verb forms ('chop,' 'sauté,' 'add') in the imperative mood, creating parallel structure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Breaks parallelism with 'you should sauté them' instead of a consistent imperative verb.
- B. Breaks parallelism by mixing a gerund ('chopping') with imperative verbs ('sauté,' 'add').
- C. Breaks parallelism by mixing imperative ('chop') with gerunds ('sautéing,' 'adding').
Parallel Structure (Parallelism)
Parallelism is the use of similar grammatical constructions to express ideas that are related or of equal importance. This creates balance, rhythm, and clarity in writing.
- Applies to words, phrases, or clauses in a series.
- Elements should have the same grammatical form (e.g., all nouns, all verbs, all prepositional phrases).
- Often used with coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) and correlative conjunctions (either/or, neither/nor).
Memory trick: Keep the grammatical paths even for clear journeys.