GMAT Grammar Book: Coordinating Conjunctions: Part I

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Coordinating Conjunctions: Part I

Coordinating conjunctions are words which link, or coordinate, two or more similar words, phrases, or clauses together into one fluid idea. Words that are considered coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or and nor.

Parallel Structure

Parallel structure is when conjunctions are used to connect words or phrases that have the same grammatical function in a sentence. There are several ways to create parallel structure.

• Two nouns are connected by a conjunction.

Laura and her sister are coming to the party.
Roger or Beth will win the election.

• Two verbs are connected by a conjunction.

Michael raised his hand and asked a question.
Denise hesitated but continued the race anyway.

When both verbs contain the same auxiliary verb, the second auxiliary is usually omitted.

Terry is doing his homework and (is) listening to the radio.

When two infinitive verbs are connected, the second to is usually omitted.

The reporter wants to go and (to) interview the celebrity in person.
We want to attend the theater or (to) play a board game tonight.

• Two adjectives are connected by a conjunction.

The singer’s voice was tender but strong.
The cake was tasty and sweet.

• Two adverbs are connected by a conjunction.

The thief walked softly and quietly.
The plane was flying fast but low.

A parallel structure can contain more than two parts. When a series of items are connected, commas are used to separate each unit. A comma can be used or omitted before the connecter, but the same pattern should be used throughout the text. (See more on comma usage on this page).

Paul, John, George, and Ringo formed the Beatles band. connected nouns
Charlie entered the boat, took to the water, and began fishing. connected verbs
Our school colors are black, gold, and green. connected adjectives
Paul didn’t react peacefully, correctly, or intelligently. connected adverbs

Exercise 19: Using Conjunctions in Parallel Structure

In the following sentences, circle the conjunction, underline the two words it connects and write what the words are in the blank to the right (nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs).

Example: The old lady was extremely kind [highlight]AND[/highlight] gentle. ______adjectives______

1. Sally and Randy went to the dance together. ____________________
2. The children played lively and energetically. ____________________
3. Johnny is jumping and bouncing on the trampoline. ____________________
4. Margaret has lost her earrings but not her bracelet. ____________________
5. That color isn’t really brown, orange, or red. ____________________




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This post is a part of [GMAT GRAMMAR BOOK]