Parallel Verbs


What are parallel verbs? What is meant by the word parallel?



Learning Objective: To be able to identify parallel verbs and properly use them in sentences.


Me and My BROTHER


I was born alone. I don't have a twin. But, I have a brother who looks like me. Although, most of the time, people would notice that my brother looks more handsome than me. I don't mind anyways. I am happy to hear that. After all, he is my brother.


Let's Talk!


A. What did you understand in the story?

B. Do you have the same experience?


GRAMMAR FOCUS


Speaking of parallel, we have parallel verbs in grammar.


Let's consider the following examples.


1. Jim makes(verb) his bed and cleans up(verb) his room every morning.


Notice: Often a subject has two verbs that are connected by and. We say that two verbs are parallel:

makes and cleans = parallel verbs


verb + and + verb = parallel verbs


**** (they have the same tense)


Consider other examples:

2. Ann is cooking dinner and (is) talking on the phone at the same time.


3. I will stay home and (will) study tonight.


4. I am going to eat ice cream and (am going to) watch tv tonight.


Notice the helping verbs inside the parenthesis in each sentence.


**** It is not necessary to repeat a helping verb when two verbs are connected by and.