Parallel structure with coordinating conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are short simple words: for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so.You use them to join structures that are grammatically equal, such as two words, two phrases or two clauses. But you need to make sure that those structures are parallel! To get some practice, decide whether the structures below are parallel or not.

1. Karl is scheduled to speak at the Monday morning meeting, yet he is on vacation until Tuesday.
2. The children enjoyed ice cream and jumping around.
3. James didn’t know which utensil to use for the first course: a fork, teaspoon or a tablespoon.
4. The marriage is strong, for the couple have the same goals and values.
5. No one could persuade the little girl to behave nor keep her from running around.
6. Rosina looked beautiful and stylish, but as if she was feeling nervous.
7. The suspect told the officer that he had an alibi and to leave him alone.
8. For the Christmas party, Claire has agreed to decorate the hall, sew a Santa suit and to bake gingerbread cookies.
  
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