Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure in a list?

Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure in a list?

• A. The coach told the players to run, jump, and to swim.
• B. The coach told the players to run, jump, and swim.
• C. The coach told the players to running, jumping, and swimming.
• D. The coach told the players to run, to jump, and to swim.

Answer: (D)

Parallel structure in a list means keeping the same form for every item, so the sentence reads smoothly and clearly. When the verb in a sentence like this governs a group of actions, you should use the same infinitive form for each item: to run, to jump, and to swim. That consistent pattern—each item being the same base form after “to”—creates a balanced, easy-to-follow rhythm and avoids mixing verb forms. This choice does that: it repeats the "to" with each verb, so the list is perfectly parallel. The other options mix forms in ways that break the symmetry: one lacks "to" on some items, another uses bare verbs where the infinitive is expected, and another would pair a gerund after “to,” which isn’t correct in this construction.

Parallel structure in a list means keeping the same form for every item, so the sentence reads smoothly and clearly. When the verb in a sentence like this governs a group of actions, you should use the same infinitive form for each item: to run, to jump, and to swim. That consistent pattern—each item being the same base form after “to”—creates a balanced, easy-to-follow rhythm and avoids mixing verb forms.

This choice does that: it repeats the "to" with each verb, so the list is perfectly parallel. The other options mix forms in ways that break the symmetry: one lacks "to" on some items, another uses bare verbs where the infinitive is expected, and another would pair a gerund after “to,” which isn’t correct in this construction.