Parallel Structure, Modifiers and Comparisons
Keep lists parallel, put describing words in the right place, compare correctly, and choose between adjectives and adverbs.
What it is
This lesson is about words and phrases that describe or compare. A modifier describes another word. An adjective describes a noun (a careful clerk); an adverb describes a verb, an adjective or another adverb (works carefully, very tired).
You will learn to keep items in a list in the same form (parallel structure) and to place modifiers next to the words they describe. You will also learn the degrees of comparison (tall, taller, tallest), the order of adjectives, and how to choose the right adverb.
Why it matters on the exam
Error-identification and sentence-correction items often test these points: to sort, filing and copy; Walking to work, the rain started; more safer; the best of the two; most unique; sings good; everyday for every day. Many of these sound normal in casual speech, so you need the rule to catch them.
At work, clear modifiers and correct comparisons keep reports accurate: a misplaced phrase can make a sentence say the wrong thing.
The new policy aims to reduce waiting time, cut paperwork, and improving client satisfaction.
- improve
- improved
- to improving
- the improvement of
- No change
The rest of this lesson, and every other lesson, is part of ReviewTayo.
Read moreIn the full lesson
- How to recognize it on the test
- What to look for (5 checks)
- All 11 rules and tools
- 4 worked examples, every step explained
- 8 common mistakes and how to fix them
- 4 exam techniques
- Remember: 7 key points
- Practice questions with explanations, and your progress saved
More Verbal Ability lessons
ReviewTayo has 47 lessons that follow the official scope of the exam, each with rules, worked examples, common mistakes and practice. Open one and read the first part.