Question

syntax: parallelism

parallelism

• in math, parallel lines are two lines that mirror one another.
• in english, parallel structure is...
• the repetition of words and phrases
• mirroring concepts in a sentence or paragraph
• mirroring grammar in a sentence or paragraph

which of the following is an example of parallel structure?

• some people cannot be separated from their roots, or where they are from.
• you can take the boy out of the country, but you cant take the country out of the boy.
• many people identify themselves in some way based on where they are born or grew up.

Explanation:

Define parallel structure

Parallel structure (parallelism) is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence to create symmetry and balance.

Analyze the given options

• Option 1: "Some people cannot be separated from their roots, or where they are from."
• Grammatically asymmetrical: pairs a noun phrase ("their roots") with a dependent clause ("where they are from").
• Option 2: "You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy."
• Grammatically symmetrical: mirrors the exact structure "take the [noun A] out of the [noun B]" and "take the [noun B] out of the [noun A]".
• Option 3: "Many people identify themselves in some way based on where they are born or grew up."
• Grammatically asymmetrical: pairs a passive participle ("born") with a past-tense verb ("grew up").

Identify the correct choice

Option 2 perfectly mirrors grammatical structure and concepts, demonstrating classic parallelism.

Answer:

• (A) Some people cannot be separated from their roots, or where they are from.
• (B) You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy. (Correct answer)
• (C) Many people identify themselves in some way based on where they are born or grew up.