16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardParallel structure in a series of gerunds

Standard English Conventions practice question

The course covers reading a chart, ____ and using a compass in fog.

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

  1. A. plotting a course,Correct
  2. B. to plot a course,
  3. C. how you plot a course,
  4. D. a course is plotted,

Answer: A. plotting a course,

'Reading, plotting, and using': parallel gerunds.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. to plot a course,
'To plot' breaks the gerund series.
C. how you plot a course,
A clause breaks the series.
D. a course is plotted,
A passive clause breaks the series.

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