What are the common errors in parallelism in essays?

Common Errors Questions



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What are the common errors in parallelism in essays?

The common errors in parallelism in essays include:

1. Lack of parallel structure: This occurs when the elements in a series or list do not follow the same grammatical pattern. For example, "She likes swimming, to hike, and reading" should be "She likes swimming, hiking, and reading."

2. Inconsistent verb tense: Parallelism requires using the same verb tense throughout a sentence or paragraph. Mixing verb tenses can create confusion and disrupt the flow of the essay. For example, "She ran, jumps, and will swim" should be "She ran, jumped, and swam."

3. Unequal comparisons: When making comparisons, it is important to use parallel structures. For instance, "He is more talented, smarter, and works harder" should be "He is more talented, smarter, and harder working."

4. Inconsistent use of conjunctions: When using conjunctions such as "and," "or," or "but," it is crucial to maintain parallelism. For example, "She likes to dance, sing, and enjoys hiking" should be "She likes to dance, sing, and hike."

5. Lack of parallelism in phrases or clauses: Parallelism should be maintained within phrases or clauses as well. For instance, "She enjoys running, to swim, and reading books" should be "She enjoys running, swimming, and reading books."

By avoiding these common errors, writers can enhance the clarity and coherence of their essays.