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Parallel Construction and Comparison

Description: Parallel Construction and Comparison
Number of Questions: 19
Created by:
Tags: Parallel Construction and Comparison Parallelism Communication
Attempted 0/18 Correct 0 Score 0

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others. Even though he was over ninety he still enjoyed reading novels and sometimes spend an evening at the cinema.

  1. enjoyed reading novels and sometimes spend an evening at the cinema

  2. enjoyed reading novels and sometimes spending an evening at the cinema

  3. enjoyed reading novels and sometime spend an evening at the cinema

  4. enjoyed reading novels and sometimes spent an evening at the cinema


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The entire sentence has a base of past tense. “Enjoyed reading” and “sometimes spend” are unparallel.

Explanation for (2): “Enjoyed reading” and “sometimes spending” seem parallel but the original sentence really conveys that he sometimes spent an evening at the cinema.

Explanation for (3): The option compounds the error of parallel construction by changing 'sometimes' to 'sometime'.
Justification for (4): The entire sentence has a base of past tense, except 'spend'. “Enjoyed reading” and “sometimes spend” are unparallel. The sentence really conveys that he sometimes spent an evening at the cinema. Hence, (4) is the answer. Explanation for (5): “Enjoyed reading” and “to sometimes spend” are unparallel.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Generally speaking, the harder a student studies, more marks he is likely to get.

  1. Generally speaking, the harder a student studies, more marks he is likely to get.

  2. Generally speaking, the harder a student studies, the more marks he is likely to get.

  3. Generally speaking, the harder a student studies, the more the marks he is likely to get.

  4. Generally speaking, the harder a student studies, more the marks he is likely to get.

  5. Generally speaking, the harder a student studies, more are the marks he is likely to get.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): 'The harder' should be followed by 'the more'. Also, marks should take the article.

Explanation for (2): This option corrects the error of parallelism, but not that of the article.

Justification for (3): 'The harder' should be followed by 'the more'. Also, marks should take the article. This option does both.
Explanation for (4): 'The harder' should be followed by 'the more'. Explanation for (5): 'The harder' should be followed by 'the more'.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

The Glorious Revolution of 1688 had important and enduring consequences, not less significant than more spectacular convulsions.

  1. not less significant than more spectacular convulsions

  2. not less significant than the ones of more spectacular convulsions

  3. not less significant than those of the more spectacular convulsions

  4. as significant as those of more spectacular convulsions

  5. as significant as the more spectacular convulsions


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: Parallelism 

In the given sentence, there is a comparison between the 'consequences' of the Glorious Revolution and more spectacular 'convulsions'. But these two cannot be compared as they belong to separate classes.

Explanation for (2): The use of 'the ones' for 'the consequences' is incorrect.
Justification for (3): The given option correctly compares the consequences of the Glorious Revolution to the consequences of the more spectacular convulsions.
Explanation for (4): There is no error in the phrase 'not less significant'. The error was only due to an incorrect comparison. Thus the use of 'as significant' is unwarranted. Explanation for (5): There is an incorrect comparison between the 'consequences' of the Glorious Revolution and more spectacular 'convulsions'.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others. At the beginning of economic growth, there are changes in people's consumption pattern, in the work that they perform and in the manner in which they live.

  1. people's consumption pattern, in the work that they perform and in the manner in which they live

  2. in the pattern of what people consume, in the work that they perform and in the manner in which they live

  3. in what people consume, in the work that they perform and in the manner in which they live

  4. in the consumption pattern of people, in the work that they perform and in the manner in which they live


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The parallel structure ought to be “they consume … they perform … they live”.

Justification for (2): The parallel structure ought to be “the pattern of what they consume … the work that they perform … the manner in which they live”. (2) does it the best.

Explanation for (3): This option seems to correct the error of parallelism but really does not. The parallel structure ought to be “the pattern of what they consume … the work that they perform … the manner in which they live”. This option omits 'the pattern'.
Explanation for (4): This option does not correct the error of parallelism. The first phrase (consumption pattern) is in noun form, the other two in verb form. Explanation for (5): This option does not correct the error of parallelism. The first phrase (consumption pattern) is in noun form, the other two in verb form.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

The people she served were affluent, suave and of good culture, mostly women whose dress, manners, and position in the social world were quoted as criterions.

  1. affluent, suave and of good culture, mostly women whose dress, manners, and position in the social world were quoted as criterions.

  2. affluent, suave and cultured, mostly women whose dress, they had good manners, and position in the social world were quoted as criterions.

  3. affluent, suave and cultured, mostly women whose dress, manners, and position in the social world was quoted as criteria.

  4. affluent, suave and cultured, mostly women whose dress, manners, and position in the social world were quoted as criteria.

  5. affluent, suave and of good culture, mostly women whose dress, manners, and position in the social world were quoted as criterion.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The original sentence has a parallelism error. 'Affluent' and 'suave' are adjectives. Therefore, to maintain parallel structure, 'cultured' is the correct adjective to use.

Explanation for (2): This option also has a parallelism error. 'Dress' and 'social position' are nouns. Therefore, 'manners' too should be in the noun form.

Explanation for (3): This option has a noun verb agreement error.  The nouns 'dress, manners and position' make a plural subject and require the plural verb 'were'. 
Justification for (4): The original sentence has a parallelism error. 'Affluent' and 'suave' are adjectives. Therefore, to maintain parallel structure, 'cultured' is the correct adjective to use. This option rectifies the error. Explanation for (5): The option fails to rectify the error of parallelism. Also, the plural form of the noun 'criterion' is needed.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Anyway, we took good care with the next lot of measurements, made them more exact; that's why we stayed out there so long.

  1. good care with the next lot of measurements, made them more exact; that's why we stayed out there so long.

  2. good care with the next lot of measurements, making them more exact; that's why stayed out there so long.

  3. great care with the next lot of measurements, making them more exact; that's why we were out there so long.

  4. greater care with the next lot of measurements, made them more exact and that's why we stayed out there so long.

  5. good care with the next lot of measurements, made them more exact; that's why we had to be out there so long.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): 'Good' is in the positive form and not consistent with the comparison implied by 'next' lot. 

Explanation for (2): The option uses the gerund 'making', rather than the simple past 'made', which is consistent with 'took'. 

Explanation for (3): The option unnecessarily changes 'stayed' to 'were out'. It changes 'good' to 'great' but fails to use the required comparative degree of the adjective. 
Justification for (4): This option maintains parallelism in the verb tense. 'Took', 'made' and 'stayed' are all in the simple past. It also uses the adjective 'greater' to describe 'care'. A comparative degree is consistent with 'more' exact.  Explanation for (5): The option changes the meaning by using 'had to be' instead of 'stayed'.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others. When I interviewed my mathematician friend on his likes and dislikes, he told me that he revels in chocolate, strolling under the moonlight, and songs from the old jazz period.

  1. he revels in chocolate, strolling under the moonlight, and songs from the old jazz period

  2. he loves eating chocolate, taking moonlit strolls and classic jazz singing

  3. he revels in sweet chocolate, long moonlit strolls, and classical jazz music

  4. he loves sweet chocolate, long moonlight strolls, and classical jazz music


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: parallelism

The given sentence has a grammatical pattern that looks like a jumbled mess of different parts of speech being used in different ways. The sentence has a grammatical pattern as follows: 'Chocolate' [the object of preposition]; 'walking under the moonlight' [gerund-preposition-definite article- object of preposition]; and 'songs from the old jazz period' [direct object, preposition, definite article, adjective, adjective, object of preposition]

Explanation for (2): The option does not maintain the same grammatical pattern throughout and is hence unparallel.
Justification for (3): The given sentence has a grammatical pattern that looks like a jumbled mess of different parts of speech being used in different ways. This option makes the sentence parallel in structure, and thus rhythmical to read and hear.
Explanation for (4): The sentence is incorrect due to the use of “moonlight” in place of “moonlit”. “Moonlight” is a noun and its use affects the grammatical pattern of the sentence. Explanation for (5): The sentence uses of “moonlight” in place of “moonlit”. Also, “songs” are replaced by 'singing'. This changes the meaning of the sentence.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Neither the students nor their teacher or the school came forward to tender an apology.

  1. Neither the students nor their teacher or the school came forward to tender an apology.

  2. None of the students or their teacher or the school came forward to tender an apology.

  3. Neither the students nor their teacher nor the school came forward to tender an apology.

  4. Neither the students nor their teacher nor even the school came forward to tender an apology.

  5. None including the students, their teacher, or the school came forward to tender an apology.


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The usage of neither is incorrect in this sentence. 'Neither'' can be used as a standalone, or be followed by 'nor', but as per the rules of parallelism nor cannot be substituted the next time by 'or'. Also, since there are three subjects, the choice of 'neither... nor' is inappropriate.

Explanation for (2): The sentence has error of redundancy, 'or' before the teacher is inappropriate.

Explanation for (3): The sentence has error of redundancy, 'nor' before the teacher is inappropriate
Explanation for (4): Since there are three subjects, the choice of 'neither... nor' is inappropriate Justification for (5): 'Neither'' can be used as a standalone, or be followed by 'nor', but as per the rules of parallelism nor cannot be substituted the next time by 'or'. Also, since there are three subjects, the choice of 'neither... nor' is inappropriate. This option rectifies the error of parallelism by using 'none'.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Numbers in Mathematics are strictly and purely impersonal and objective, and our teacher strictly follows the rule that the first structure should be not only close but also independent from the second.

  1. not only close but also independent from the second

  2. not only close but also independent of the second

  3. both close and independent from the second

  4. close to but independent from the second

  5. not only close to but also independent from the second


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Similar grammatical constructions should be used in case of correlatives. In the first part of the sentence the preposition that is supposed to be followed by the noun 'close' is missing. The sentence is imbalanced as the second half consists of both, the noun and the preposition, while the first half only contains the noun.  

Explanation for (2): Independent 'of' may be grammatically correct, but 'close' (without preposition) is incorrect.

Explanation for (3): 'From' applies both to 'close' and 'independent', which is incorrect.
Explanation for (4): The option changes the meaning of the sentence. Justification for (5): This option corrects the error of preposition and parallel grammatical construction. In this option, the first half consists of the noun 'close' and preposition 'to'. Similarly the second half consists of noun 'independent' and preposition 'from'.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

In my opinion, the better a product performs, more sales it is expected to have

  1. the better a product performs, more sales it is expected to have

  2. the better a product performs, more are the sales it is expected to have

  3. the better is the performance of a product, the more sales it is expected to have

  4. the better a product performs, the more sales it is expected to have

  5. the better a product performs, the more the sales it is expected to have


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: Parallel comparison

As per the rule, the actions and their results should be in the same structure. Hence 'the better' should be followed by 'the more' and not simply 'more'.

Explanation for (2): 'The better' followed by 'more' is incorrect since actions and their results should maintain the same tone.
Explanation for (3): In the given option, the comparable sentence phrases are not structurally similar. Also, the change of voice affects the tone of actions and their results.
Explanation for (4): While 'the better' followed by 'the more' is correct, deletion of article before 'sales' is incorrect. Justification for (5): The option corrects the error of parallelism; 'the better' is parallel to 'the more'.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

They, the girl and the boy who had found her, were very happy, and told each other over and over again what a beautiful world it was, and how wonderful it was that they should have found each other.

  1. They, the girl and the boy who had found her, were very happy, and told each other over and over again what a beautiful world it was,

  2. They, the girl and the boy who had found her, was very happy, and told each other over and over again what a beautiful world it was,

  3. They, the girl and the boy who had found her, were very happy, and told each other repeatedly what a beautiful world it was,

  4. They, the girl and the boy who had found her, was very happy, and told each other over and over again what a beautiful world it is,

  5. They, the girl and the boy who had found her, were very happy, and told each other over and over again that it was a beautiful world,


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Justification for (1): The sentence is correct as given 

Explanation for (2): This option has a subject-verb agreement error. 'The girl and the boy who had found her' is an appositive of the pronoun 'they' and does not affect the verb. The correct verb is 'were', which agrees with 'they'. 

Explanation for (3): This option makes an unnecessary change in idiom. 'Over and over again' is used for emphasis.  Changing this to 'repeatedly' subtly changes the meaning of the sentence. 
Explanation for (4): This option introduces a tense error by changing 'beautiful world it was' to beautiful world it is'.  The present tense here is inconsistent with the simple past in the rest of the sentence.  Explanation for (5): This option makes unwarranted changes and renders the sentence incorrect.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

The great bulk of the people was either having one-time meals or not having at all.

  1. The great bulk of the people was either having one-time meals or not having at all.

  2. The great bulk of people were either having one-time meals or not having at all.

  3. Great bulk of the people were either having one-time meals or not having at all.

  4. The great bulk of the people was either having one-time meals or having none at all.

  5. The great bulk of people was either having one-time meals or not having anything at all.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Error of comparison. 'Not having at all' is incorrect expression. 'Having one time' cannot be compared with 'not'. It can only be compared with 'none'.

Explanation for (2): 'The great bulk' is not a number, but a singular mass. Hence, 'were' is incorrect.

Explanation for (3): 'The great bulk' is not a number, but a singular mass. Hence, 'were' is incorrect. Also, the omission of article is conspicuous.
Justification for (4): Error of comparison. 'Not having at all' is incorrect expression. 'Having one time' cannot be compared with 'not'. It can only be compared with 'none'. Hence, 'having none at all' in (4) is the answer. Explanation for (5): 'Not having anything at all' is incorrect expression. 'Having one time' cannot be compared with 'not'. It can only be compared with 'none'.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Of all the frauds practiced by mercenary dealers, there is none more reprehensible, and at the same time the most prevalent, than the adulteration of the various articles of food.

  1. at the same time the most prevalent

  2. at the same time most prevalent

  3. at the same time widely prevalent

  4. at the same time the more prevalent

  5. at the same time more prevalent


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence has error of faulty comparison. 'More reprehensible' is comparative and the second adjective should also be comparative, not superlative. It should be 'more prevalent', not 'most prevalent'.

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the error of faulty comparison and introduces another error of the article (deletes 'the' from 'most prevalent').

Explanation for (3): This option does not rectify the error of faulty comparison.
Explanation for (4): This option rectifies the error of faulty comparison, but introduces error of article (the more prevalent). Justification for (5): The sentence has error of faulty comparison. 'More reprehensible' is comparative and the second adjective should also be comparative, not superlative. It should be 'more prevalent', not 'most prevalent'. This option corrects the error of faulty comparison.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Tilling means preparation of the soil to plant the seeds and keeping the soil in the best condition to help the crop grow until it is ready for harvesting.

  1. Tilling means preparation of the soil to plant the seeds and keeping the soil in the best condition to help the crop grow until it is ready for harvesting.

  2. Tilling means preparing the soil to plant the seeds and keeping the soil in the best condition to help the crop grow until it is ready to harvest.

  3. Tilling means preparation of the soil to plant the seeds and keeping the soil in the best condition for helping the crop grow until it is ready for harvesting.

  4. Tilling means preparing the soil to plant the seeds and to keep the soil in the best condition to help the crop to grow until it is ready to harvest.

  5. Tilling means preparing the soil to plant the seeds and keeping the soil in the best condition to help the crop grow until it is ready to be harvested.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): 'Preparation' and 'keeping' are unparallel.

Justification for (2): 'Preparing' synchronizes with 'keeping' and 'to plant' with 'to harvest'.

Explanation for (3): 'Preparation' and 'keeping' are unparallel as are 'to plant' with 'for harvesting'
Explanation for (4): 'Preparing' and 'to keep' are unparallel although 'to plant' is in sync with 'to harvest' Explanation for (5): 'Preparing' synchronizes with 'keeping' but 'to plant' uses the infinitive in active voice, whereas 'to be harvested' uses it in the passive voice.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Eugene is as good a player as, if not better than anyone in his class.

  1. as good a player as, if not better than anyone

  2. as good a player, if not better than anyone

  3. as good, if not better a player than anyone else

  4. as good a player as, if not better than anyone else

  5. a player as good as, if not better than anyone


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence suffers from the error of faulty comparison. 'Anyone' will include Eugene also.

Explanation for (2): The option compounds the error of faulty comparison, by deleting 'as'.

Explanation for (3): The option compounds the error of faulty comparison, by deleting 'as'.
Justification for (4): The word 'else' supports 'anyone' and makes the sentence more coherent. The comparison is between Eugene, the player, and 'anyone else' in his class. Explanation for (5): The option does not make much sense.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

We believe that the mission of art is a mission of sentiment and love, and that the artist has a larger and more poetic task than suggesting certain prudential and conciliatory measures.

  1. than suggesting certain prudential and conciliatory measures

  2. than that of suggesting certain prudential and conciliatory measures

  3. than of suggesting certain prudential and conciliatory measures

  4. than merely suggesting certain prudential and conciliatory measures

  5. than that to suggest certain prudential and conciliatory measures


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): This sentence bears the error of faulty comparison. It should be 'than that of suggesting'.

Justification for (2): This option corrects the error of faulty comparison by inserting ''that of' before 'suggesting'.

Explanation for (3): The option does not rectify the error of faulty comparison.
Explanation for (4): The option does not rectify the error of faulty comparison. Explanation for (5): The option compounds the error of faulty comparison ('than to' in place of than that of').

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

The infusion made with the soft water will have the strongest taste, although it possesses less color than the infusion made with the hard water.

  1. The infusion made with the soft water will have the strongest taste

  2. The infusion made with the soft water will have by far the strongest taste

  3. The infusion made by the soft water will have the strongest taste

  4. The infusion made by the soft water will have stronger taste

  5. The infusion made with the soft water will have stronger taste


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears the error of comparative. The sentence draws comparison between the infusion made with soft water and that made with hard water.

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the error of comparison and introduces another error (inserts 'by far' before 'the strongest taste').

Explanation for (3): This option does not rectify the error of comparison and introduces another error by replacing 'with' by 'by'
Explanation for (4): This option rectifies the error of comparison but includes another error of preposition ('by' in place of 'with'). Justification for (5): The sentence bears the error of comparative. The sentence draws comparison  between the infusion made with soft water and that made with hard water. This option corrects the error by using comparative degree of adjective to draw the comparison (stronger).

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others. Seldom have the mathematical theories of games been of practical use in playing real games, although our comprehension of the selection process from among variables may have enhanced.

  1. although our comprehension of the selection process from among variables may have enhanced

  2. although our comprehension of the selection process from among variables may have been enhanced

  3. although they may have enhanced our comprehension of the selection process from among variables

  4. although they may have led to enhancement of our comprehension of the selection process from among variables


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The two parts of the sentence ought to be in parallel, i.e. in active voice. Here the latter part seems to be in passive voice though it omits 'been' from 'may have been'.

Explanation for (2): The option corrects the error of passive voice by restoring 'been', but is still incorrect as the two parts of the sentence are still unparallel.

Justification for (3): The two parts of the sentence ought to be in parallel, i.e. in active voice. “Seldom have … they may have” in (3) is the best one.
Explanation for (4): The unwarranted addition of 'led to' compounds the error of parallel construction. Explanation for (5): The unwarranted addition of 'general' compounds the error of parallel construction.

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