16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardParallel structure across three verbs

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ranger's job is to count the deer, ____ and report any sign of disease.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. check the fences,Correct
  2. B. checking the fences,
  3. C. to be checking the fences,
  4. D. the fences are checked,

Answer: A. check the fences,

'To count … check … and report': parallel base forms after 'to'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. checking the fences,
'Checking' breaks the parallel.
C. to be checking the fences,
'To be checking' is not parallel and is unidiomatic.
D. the fences are checked,
A passive clause breaks the series.

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