Understand Parallel Structure to Improve IELTS Grammar

Parallel structure is when you balance the grammatical structures of words, clauses, sentences, or phrases in your writing.

They are important for any kind of writing and speaking in order to maintain coherency. In this particular lesson we'll look at parallel words and phrases.

We make words or phrases parallel when we are writing things in a list or series, and each word must have the same grammatical form.

The coordinating conjunction ‘and’ is usually used to connect the parallel items, but other coordinating conjunctions such as ‘or’ and ‘nor’ may be used.

Correlative conjunctions such as 'both/and', 'neither/nor' and 'whether/or' are also used as connectors.

Examples of Parallel Structure

Quiz

Click the show / hide link below to see a full text of the parallel structure exercise answers.

Answers

1. The scenery was spectacular, exciting, and looked beautiful - incorrect

The scenery was spectacular, exciting, and beautiful.

2. They studied quickly, quietly, and carefully - correct

3. To get the score you want in IELTS quickly you must both learn fast and work hard - correct

4. I like neither to wash up dishes nor mopping the floor - incorrect

I like neither to wash up dishes nor to mop the floor / I like neither washing up dishes nor mopping the floor

5. She walked out of the changing rooms, climbed onto the diving board, and into the swimming pool - incorrect

She walked out of the changing rooms, climbed onto the diving board, and jumped into the swimming pool

6. He cleaned under the sink and behind the cooker - correct

7. I'll return in June, July or in August - incorrect

I'll return in June, July or August

8. I usually spend my evenings watching TV and surfing the internet - correct

9. The manager did not like one of his employees because he always arrived late for work, made mistakes in his duties, completed projects carelessly, and his motivation was low - incorrect

The manager did not like one of his employees because he always arrived late for work, made mistakes in his duties, completed projects carelessly, and lacked motivation.

10. It was both a long meeting and very boring - incorrect

It was both a long meeting and a boring meeting / The meeting was both long and boring

11. You must either arrive on time or not come at all - correct

12. For him, success is defined not by wealth but by how happy you are - incorrect

For him, success is defined not by wealth but by happiness.

13. The salad was fresh, crisp, and tasted delicious - incorrect

The salad was fresh, crisp, and delicious

14. He was not sure whether to move to Australia or stay in Japan - correct

15. The quarter finals involves the English, the Spanish, French, and Germans - incorrect

The quarter finals involves the English, the Spanish, the French, and the Germans

More IELTS Grammar Lessons & Practice:

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A noun clause is another type of complex sentence that is essential to get a high band in IELTS.
How to Use Modal Verbs for IELTS
Modal Verbs are are important for IELTS writing for discussing solutions or to clarify certainty.
Gerunds and the IELTS Test
Gerunds are an important grammar form to understand and to be able to use effectively in the IELTS test and in your English more generally.
Complex Sentences: Why are they Important for IELTS?
Complex Sentences are made up of an independent and dependent clause. This lessons teaches you how to write them with practice exercises.
Using Phrasal Verbs in IELTS
Learn how phrasal verbs can be used in the IELTS Test. The meaning of these verbs are explained and there are quizzes to practice them.
Gerund and Infinitive: Choosing the right one
Choosing between gerund and Infinitive can be difficult as some verbs can only be followed by the gerund and some only the infinitive.
Adverbial Clauses: Why they are important for IELTS
Adverbial Clauses are a type of complex sentence that are important to use in IELTS writing.
Sentence Clauses: Independent and Dependent Clauses
Learn what sentence clauses are and why they are important to know for IELTS as they are critical for writing complex sentences.
Avoiding Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Avoiding subject verb agreement is important for IELTS as errors with this will look basic and noticeable.
Passive Voice for IELTS Processes
Passive Voice is specifically needed for IELTS is if you get a process diagram in Academic IELTS Task 1. In this case you will use it throughout your explanation of the process. When we use the passive voice, the person or thing receiving the action becomes the subject.
Relative Clauses: Use them correctly in your IELTS essay
Relative Clauses are a type of complex sentence and it's important to use them in your writing to get a band 6 or above.
Gerund and Infinitive Exercises
Try these Gerund and Infinitive Exercises to help you understanding of which one to choose.

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