Study guide: Parallel Construction, Semicolons and Colons
Apply test parallel construction, choose a clause join, check a colon’s introduction, name a phrase’s function using supplied texts and original responses.
Ideas to explain in your own words
- Parallel construction presents equal ideas in matching grammatical forms. Infinitives can parallel infinitives, gerunds gerunds and clauses clauses. A mixed list may require revision.
- Related independent clauses can join with a semicolon or comma plus a coordinating conjunction. An introductory dependent clause takes a comma before the main clause; separate statements can use periods.
- A colon can follow a complete clause to introduce a list or explanation. In these conventional constructions it should not interrupt a verb-object or preposition-object relationship.
- A phrase can function as a subject, describe a noun, modify an action or rename a noun. Function comes from its relation to the sentence, not just the number of words.
Useful vocabulary
- Test parallel construction
- Parallel construction presents equal ideas in matching grammatical forms. Infinitives can parallel infinitives, gerunds gerunds and clauses clauses. A mixed list may require revision.
- Choose a clause join
- Related independent clauses can join with a semicolon or comma plus a coordinating conjunction. An introductory dependent clause takes a comma before the main clause; separate statements can use periods.
- Check a colon’s introduction
- A colon can follow a complete clause to introduce a list or explanation. In these conventional constructions it should not interrupt a verb-object or preposition-object relationship.
- Name a phrase’s function
- A phrase can function as a subject, describe a noun, modify an action or rename a noun. Function comes from its relation to the sentence, not just the number of words.
Watch your reasoning
- Planning, to draft and revision mix forms.
- A semicolon is not used simply for a long pause.
- We need: paper is not the same construction.
- An appositive renames rather than merely indicates location.
A worked review example
Excerpt A: We practice reading, listening and speaking. Excerpt B: The model is ready; the labels need checking. Excerpt C: We need three items: paper, pens and tape. Excerpt D: The model, a paper prototype, is ready; analyze a paper prototype. Test parallel construction: Evidence: We practice reading, listening and speaking. Reasoning: parallel gerunds is supported because all listed elements use -ing forms as objects of the same verb. Planning, to draft and revision mix forms. Choose a clause join: Evidence: The model is ready; the labels need checking. Reasoning: semicolon between related independent clauses is supported because each side of the semicolon is a complete related clause. A semicolon is not used simply for a long pause. Check a colon’s introduction: Evidence: We need three items: paper, pens and tape. Reasoning: complete clause introducing a list is supported because a complete clause precedes and introduces the list. We need: paper is not the same construction. Name a phrase’s function: Evidence: The model, a paper prototype, is ready; analyze a paper prototype. Reasoning: appositive renaming a noun is supported because a second noun phrase renames model or Lea. An appositive renames rather than merely indicates location.
Make a practice plan
- Practice test parallel construction: Identify the grammatical form of each listed element. Revise only the nonmatching form while preserving meaning.
- Practice choose a clause join: Count clauses and inspect the connector the task explicitly supplies. Apply the matching punctuation form.
- Practice check a colon’s introduction: Test whether the words before the colon can stand as a complete clause. Then identify what follows.
- Practice name a phrase’s function: Locate what the phrase does in the explicitly supplied sentence role. Explain which element it names or modifies.
- Use the new review case without consulting its answer first. Return to the specific lesson if your explanation misses the distinction.