Lesson 40 of 46
Parallel structure and dangling modifiers
Keep lists balanced and modifiers attached to the right word.
The rules
- 1.Items in a list should use the same form: "reading, writing, and speaking", not "reading, to write, and speaking".
- 2.The same applies to paired structures: "not only… but also", "either… or", "both… and".
- 3.A modifier at the start must describe the subject that follows: "Walking to work, I saw an accident."
- 4.If the subject does not match, the modifier "dangles": rewrite so the right person or thing follows the comma.
Common mistakes and fixes
Incorrect: She likes reading, to swim, and hiking.
Correct: She likes reading, swimming, and hiking.
Same form for each item.
Incorrect: Walking to work, the rain started.
Correct: As I was walking to work, it started to rain.
The rain was not walking.
Incorrect: He is both smart and works hard.
Correct: He is both smart and hardworking.
Balance the adjectives.
Watch out: After an opening -ing phrase, the very next noun must be the one doing the action.
Quick quiz
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Practice on your own writing
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