16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardParallel structure in a series of infinitives

Standard English Conventions practice question

Visitors are asked to check the tide table, to sign the book at the chapel, and ____ the gate behind them.

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

  1. A. to closeCorrect
  2. B. closing
  3. C. that they close
  4. D. closed

Answer: A. to close

'To check … to sign … to close': parallel infinitives.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. closing
'Closing' breaks the parallel.
C. that they close
A clause breaks the parallel.
D. closed
'Closed' breaks the parallel.

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