Choose the sentence that uses parallel structure correctly.
A. he either decided to run the race or volunteer
B. I am not only baking cookies but also brownies.
C. neither my mother nor my father can watch my game.
or
D. Not only is she cutting her hair, but also coloring it
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct sentence that uses parallel structure correctly is B. I am not only baking cookies but also brownies.
Explanation:
Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a grammatical and rhetorical device that involves using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. In English, this is often applied in lists, comparisons, and constructions that include correlative conjunctions (like “not only…but also” or “either…or”).
Analysis of the Sentences:
- A. he either decided to run the race or volunteer
This sentence lacks parallelism because it combines a verb phrase (“decided to run”) with a noun (“volunteer”) without maintaining the same grammatical structure. A correct version could be: “He either decided to run the race or to volunteer.” - B. I am not only baking cookies but also brownies.
This sentence maintains parallel structure because both parts (“baking cookies” and “baking brownies”) share the same grammatical form. The use of “not only…but also” creates a balanced and rhythmically pleasing sentence, clearly indicating that both activities (baking cookies and brownies) are equally important. - C. neither my mother nor my father can watch my game.
This sentence is also correct in terms of parallel structure, as it pairs two subjects (“my mother” and “my father”) that are both singular and follow the same grammatical pattern. However, it does not use the same correlative conjunction structure as option B. - D. Not only is she cutting her hair, but also coloring it.
This sentence is incorrect because it lacks parallel structure. The phrase “but also coloring it” does not follow the same grammatical structure as “is she cutting her hair.” A correct version would be: “Not only is she cutting her hair, but she is also coloring it.”
In summary, sentence B exemplifies parallel structure effectively, presenting two actions that are balanced and clearly related, making it the best choice.