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Standard English ConventionsHardParallel structure with 'either … or'

Standard English Conventions practice question

Passengers may either leave their bicycles at the station ____ carry them onto the train.

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

  1. A. orCorrect
  2. B. or they may
  3. C. and
  4. D. or to

Answer: A. or

'Either leave … or carry': parallel base verbs.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. or they may
'Or they may carry' adds a subject and breaks the parallel.
C. and
'Either … and' is not the pair.
D. or to
'Or to carry' breaks the parallel with 'leave'.

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