ACT Preparation / Unit 1 ACT 0020 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Making a Series Parallel
The idea
To repair a series, work in three steps. First, mark where the series begins and list each item. Second, name the form of each item: a noun, an -ing phrase, a to-phrase or a clause. Third, rewrite the item that differs so it matches the form the others share, keeping its meaning. For a correlative pair, apply the same steps to the two items that follow the paired words.
In practice
Worked example: "The coach praised the team for its speed, its discipline and because it never quit." The items are its speed, a noun; its discipline, a noun; and because it never quit, a clause. Rewrite the clause as a noun: its persistence. A second example: "Neither the heat bothered him nor the long climb." A clause follows neither and a noun follows nor; move neither: "Neither the heat nor the long climb bothered him."
Where people slip
A choice can make the items parallel and change their meaning. Persistence keeps the coach's point; "its quitting" is parallel and says the opposite. Check form first, then meaning.
Your place on the trail
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Builds on
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