Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly in a technical list?
Parallel structure means that items in a list use the same grammatical form. In option B, all three items are noun phrases: authentication, authorisation, event logging. Options A, C, and D mix noun phrases with infinitives ("to authorise", "to log") or verb phrases ("logs events"), breaking the parallel pattern. In technical writing — README files, API docs, user stories — lists must be grammatically consistent. A quick test: read each item with the introductory clause: "The system handles authentication ✓ / authorisation ✓ / event logging ✓."
2 / 20
A tech spec compares two approaches. Which version uses parallel structure in the comparison?
Option A is parallel: both clauses follow the pattern "[subject] is [adjective] to [verb]" — "REST is simpler to implement" / "GraphQL offers more flexibility." Option B switches tense ("is offering"). Option C mixes a noun phrase subject with an adjective fragment ("has more flexible"). Option D shifts to passive voice mid-sentence, breaking the symmetry. In technical comparisons ("X is faster, while Y is more scalable"), keep both sides in the same voice and tense.
3 / 20
You're writing a PR description with three bullet points about what a function does. Which version is parallel?
Option B uses the imperative (base) verb form for all three bullets: Validates / Transforms / Returns. This is the standard pattern for describing what code does in PR descriptions, README usage sections, and API docs. Option A ends with a passive sentence ("A response object is returned"). Option C starts with a gerund ("Validating") but switches to base verbs. Option D starts with a noun phrase. Pick one grammatical form and maintain it throughout the entire list.
4 / 20
Which sentence correctly uses a parallel correlative pair (either/or, both/and, not only/but also)?
"not only scalable but also reliable" is correct. With correlative conjunctions (not only/but also, either/or, both/and), the words or phrases that follow each conjunction must be in the same grammatical category. In option B: scalable (adjective) / reliable (adjective) — perfect parallel. Option A places "scalable" (adjective) against "it also has reliability" (clause). Option C places "is scalable" (verb phrase) against "reliability" (noun). Option D breaks the structure with "additionally." The rule: whatever grammatical form follows "not only" must follow "but also" too.
5 / 20
A code comment describes three responsibilities of a class. Which version is grammatically parallel?
Option C uses the third-person singular verb form for all three items: manages / retries / emits. This is parallel. Option A mixes gerunds ("managing"), noun phrases ("retry logic"), and an infinitive ("to emit"). Option B mixes "manages" (verb), "retrying" (gerund), and "metric emission" (noun phrase). Option D mixes a noun phrase, infinitive, and gerund. When writing class-level doc comments or JSDoc descriptions, pick one consistent form — typically the base verb ("Returns…", "Manages…", "Emits…") — and apply it to every item in the list.
6 / 20
Sarah from the QA team just left a comment on your code review: 'The API endpoint returns 200 with a success message, but the response body is inconsistent. It sometimes includes metadata and sometimes doesn't.' Which of the following revisions best uses parallel structure to address this issue?
This question tests parallel structure within a code review context. The original sentence uses a semicolon to connect two distinct clauses. To create parallelism, we need to maintain the same grammatical construction—using a conjunction (like 'and') or a semicolon—to link these related observations about the API response. Option 1 correctly uses 'and' for cohesion.
7 / 20
David in the architecture team sent you this Slack message: 'We need to decide if we should migrate to PostgreSQL or MySQL. Both databases offer strong data integrity features, but PostgreSQL has a more mature ecosystem.' Which sentence demonstrates parallel structure effectively within David's message?
This question assesses parallel structure in a Slack communication. The key is to ensure that the elements presented as alternatives (PostgreSQL and MySQL) are treated equally throughout the sentence. Option 3 achieves this by using 'both of which' to mirror the structure when listing the database options. The other choices introduce unnecessary clauses or changes in phrasing.
8 / 20
You are drafting a PR description for a new function that handles user authentication. The description should clearly outline the function's responsibilities. Which of the following is the most parallel and effective?
This scenario tests parallel structure in a PR description. The goal is to present the function's tasks using consistent grammatical structures. Option 2 uses 'it' to introduce each action, creating a balanced and clear list of responsibilities. Using semicolons or other connectors disrupts this parallelism.
9 / 20
Maria, the senior developer, provided this feedback on your code: 'The system will either scale horizontally or vertically to meet demand. The team needs both increased memory and processing power.' Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a correlative pair (either/or, both/and, not only/but also)?
This question focuses on correlative pairs. The correct structure uses 'either…or' to present mutually exclusive options. Option 1 correctly combines this with a subsequent clause using 'both/and', maintaining the parallel grammatical form and clearly articulating the team's needs.
10 / 20
Alex is documenting the class `OrderProcessor`. Which of the following statements best uses parallel structure to describe the class's responsibilities?
This question tests parallel structure within a technical documentation context. Using 'it' to introduce each responsibility creates a clear and consistent list of functions the `OrderProcessor` class performs. This parallel construction improves readability and understanding for other developers.
11 / 20
Sarah from the QA team just left a comment on your code review: 'The API endpoint returns 200 with a success message, but the response body is inconsistent. It sometimes includes metadata and sometimes doesn't.' Which of the following revisions best uses parallel structure to address this issue?
This question tests parallel structure within a code review context. The original sentence uses a semicolon to connect two distinct clauses. To create parallelism, we need to maintain the same grammatical construction—using a conjunction (like 'and') or a semicolon—to link these related observations about the API response. Option 1 correctly uses 'and' for cohesion.
12 / 20
David in the architecture team sent you this Slack message: 'We need to decide if we should migrate to PostgreSQL or MySQL. Both databases offer strong data integrity features, but PostgreSQL has a more mature ecosystem.' Which sentence demonstrates parallel structure effectively within David's message?
This question assesses parallel structure in a Slack communication. The key is to ensure that the elements presented as alternatives (PostgreSQL and MySQL) are treated equally throughout the sentence. Option 3 achieves this by using 'both of which' to mirror the structure when listing the database options. The other choices introduce unnecessary clauses or changes in phrasing.
13 / 20
You are drafting a PR description for a new function that handles user authentication. The description should clearly outline the function's responsibilities. Which of the following is the most parallel and effective?
This scenario tests parallel structure in a PR description. The goal is to present the function's tasks using consistent grammatical structures. Option 2 uses 'it' to introduce each action, creating a balanced and clear list of responsibilities. Using semicolons or other connectors disrupts this parallelism.
14 / 20
Maria, the senior developer, provided this feedback on your code: 'The system will either scale horizontally or vertically to meet demand. The team needs both increased memory and processing power.' Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a correlative pair (either/or, both/and, not only/but also)?
This question focuses on correlative pairs. The correct structure uses 'either…or' to present mutually exclusive options. Option 1 correctly combines this with a subsequent clause using 'both/and', maintaining the parallel grammatical form and clearly articulating the team's needs.
15 / 20
Alex is documenting the class `OrderProcessor`. Which of the following statements best uses parallel structure to describe the class's responsibilities?
This question tests parallel structure within a technical documentation context. Using 'it' to introduce each responsibility creates a clear and consistent list of functions the `OrderProcessor` class performs. This parallel construction improves readability and understanding for other developers.
16 / 20
Sarah from the QA team just left a comment on your code review: 'The API endpoint returns 200 with a success message, but the response body is inconsistent. It sometimes includes metadata and sometimes doesn't.' Which of the following revisions best uses parallel structure to address this issue?
This question tests parallel structure within a code review context. The original sentence uses a semicolon to connect two distinct clauses. To create parallelism, we need to maintain the same grammatical construction—using a conjunction (like 'and') or a semicolon—to link these related observations about the API response. Option 1 correctly uses 'and' for cohesion.
17 / 20
David in the architecture team sent you this Slack message: 'We need to decide if we should migrate to PostgreSQL or MySQL. Both databases offer strong data integrity features, but PostgreSQL has a more mature ecosystem.' Which sentence demonstrates parallel structure effectively within David's message?
This question assesses parallel structure in a Slack communication. The key is to ensure that the elements presented as alternatives (PostgreSQL and MySQL) are treated equally throughout the sentence. Option 3 achieves this by using 'both of which' to mirror the structure when listing the database options. The other choices introduce unnecessary clauses or changes in phrasing.
18 / 20
You are drafting a PR description for a new function that handles user authentication. The description should clearly outline the function's responsibilities. Which of the following is the most parallel and effective?
This scenario tests parallel structure in a PR description. The goal is to present the function's tasks using consistent grammatical structures. Option 2 uses 'it' to introduce each action, creating a balanced and clear list of responsibilities. Using semicolons or other connectors disrupts this parallelism.
19 / 20
Maria, the senior developer, provided this feedback on your code: 'The system will either scale horizontally or vertically to meet demand. The team needs both increased memory and processing power.' Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a correlative pair (either/or, both/and, not only/but also)?
This question focuses on correlative pairs. The correct structure uses 'either…or' to present mutually exclusive options. Option 1 correctly combines this with a subsequent clause using 'both/and', maintaining the parallel grammatical form and clearly articulating the team's needs.
20 / 20
Alex is documenting the class `OrderProcessor`. Which of the following statements best uses parallel structure to describe the class's responsibilities?
This question tests parallel structure within a technical documentation context. Using 'it' to introduce each responsibility creates a clear and consistent list of functions the `OrderProcessor` class performs. This parallel construction improves readability and understanding for other developers.
What will I practise in "Parallel Structures in Technical Writing — Grammar Exercise"?
Practice using parallel grammatical structure in IT lists, comparisons, PR descriptions, and code comments. 5 interactive exercises.
How many exercises are in this module?
This module has 20 multiple-choice exercises, each with instant feedback and a full explanation of the correct answer.
Is this exercise free to use?
Yes. Every exercise on CoderSlingo, including this one, is free to use with no account, sign-up, or paywall.
Do I need to create an account to do these exercises?
No account is required. Just click an option to answer — your score for this session is tracked automatically in the progress bar above.
What happens if I choose the wrong answer?
You'll immediately see which answer was correct, plus a full explanation covering the grammar rule and reasoning behind it — mistakes are where most of the learning happens.
Can I retry the exercises if I want a higher score?
Yes — use the "Try again" button on the results screen to reset and go through all the questions again.
Is my progress saved if I close the page?
No. Progress is tracked only for your current visit; reloading or leaving the page resets the counter. This keeps the exercise simple and account-free.
Where can I find more Grammar exercises?
Browse the full Grammar hub for related drills, or check the "Next up" link below to continue with a connected topic.
How is this different from reading an article on the same topic?
Articles explain grammar rules in prose; this exercise tests and reinforces those rules through active recall with immediate feedback — the two work best together.
Who writes these exercises?
Every exercise is written by the CoderSlingo team, drawing on real workplace English used in IT roles, then reviewed for accuracy and clarity.