Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure in a list?

Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure in a list?

• A. She bought apples, oranges, and a bag.
• B. She bought apples, orange, and bananas.
• C. She bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
• D. She bought apples, oranges and banana.

Answer: (C)

Parallel structure means the items in a list should all be the same grammatical form. In the sentence that lists what she bought, all items are plural nouns—apples, oranges, and bananas—so they match each other and fit smoothly with “She bought.” The comma before “and” (the Oxford comma) helps keep the list clear and balanced. The other versions mix forms: one ends with a different type of word (“a bag”), another uses a singular form with plural items, and another also mixes singular forms. So the sentence with three matching plural nouns demonstrates correct parallel structure.

Parallel structure means the items in a list should all be the same grammatical form. In the sentence that lists what she bought, all items are plural nouns—apples, oranges, and bananas—so they match each other and fit smoothly with “She bought.” The comma before “and” (the Oxford comma) helps keep the list clear and balanced. The other versions mix forms: one ends with a different type of word (“a bag”), another uses a singular form with plural items, and another also mixes singular forms. So the sentence with three matching plural nouns demonstrates correct parallel structure.