Sentence Fragments and Run-on Sentences

Parallel Construction Practice 
 
Many of the following sentences lack parallel construction. Cross out any part that is not parallel, 
and write the correction above. 
started dinner. 
1. I have been to the grocery store, put the groceries away, and 
started dinner
a higher salary. 
2. He wanted a job with fewer hours and 
that the salary would be higher.
a loyal friend. 
3. She was a wonderful student, a great cook, and 
she was a very loyal friend.
to make 
4. It is important to be on time and 
making
a good impression. 
going to 
5. Their choices were going to the movies, walking along the beach, or the carnival. 
watched television. 
6. I finished my assignment, ate dinner, and 
then I decided to watch television.
to 
7. She promised to be there early, and 
she will also 
bring a cake. 
carefully. 
8. He entered quietly, slowly, and 
with care.
and 
9. I wanted to go to Chicago 
but also
to New York. 

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North Harris College Writing Center 
Page 26 
10. She considered majoring in chemistry, biology, or 
studying
literature. 
11. We can improve the building by making less noise, not leaving clutter around, and 
we
repainting 
should repaint
the walls. 
was
12. The student failed because his work was always turned in late, was incomplete, and messy. 
13. He loves swimming 
and to go
fishing in the summer. 
tact, and tolerance. 
14. Good public relations involves patience, 
being tactful, and to display tolerance.
walking 
15. She finds reading the newspaper and 
to walk
through book stores calming. 
16. We looked for students whose motivation was high, whose interests were focused, and 
there
who had 
was
a high level of energy. 
to go 
17. She told me to try relaxation exercises and 
going
to bed early the night before the exam. 
going to 
18. The child loves watching television, playing baseball, and school. 
and 
19. The new dress code applied 
not only
to students
, and
teachers, 
but
administrators.
were
included too. 
Working 
20. That professor is always either grading papers or 
works
with students in tutoring sessions. 

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North Harris College Writing Center 
Page 27