What should the next item in the series below be?
When I went to Trinidad, I spent most of my time snorkeling, diving, and
A. taking a nap
B. napped
C. napping
D. to nap
SUBMIT
The correct answer is C. napping.
Understanding Parallelism in Writing
Parallelism is a grammatical and stylistic technique used to make phrases or sentences balanced and consistent in structure. When listing actions or items in a series, it is important to maintain parallel structure for clarity and readability.
In the given series, the actions "snorkeling" and "diving" follow the same pattern of ending in -ing. To ensure parallelism, the next item should also end in -ing. Therefore, the correct choice is "napping."
Tips for Identifying Parallelism
One helpful tip for achieving parallelism is to look for patterns or similarities in the items or actions being listed. By recognizing these patterns, you can ensure that all elements in the series maintain a consistent structure.
Pattern Recognition: In this case, noticing that both "snorkeling" and "diving" end in -ing indicates that the next action should also end in -ing to maintain parallelism.
Importance of Parallelism
Consistent parallel structure not only improves the flow and coherence of your writing but also helps readers understand the relationships between different elements in a series. By using parallelism, you can create a sense of balance and rhythm that enhances the overall impact of your sentences.
Clear Communication: Parallel structure clarifies the relationships between items in a list, making it easier for readers to follow the sequence of actions or ideas presented.
Enhanced Readability: Well-structured parallelism makes your writing more organized and engaging, leading to a smoother reading experience for your audience.
In conclusion, understanding and applying parallelism in writing is essential for creating polished and effective sentences. By maintaining consistency in structure and pattern, you can convey your ideas with clarity and precision.