When we read a sentence, we expect it to be logical and use consistent tenses or structure. When we are speaking, we can change ideas mid-sentence, but when we write, the reader expects to read a logical sentence.
Here is an example where the sentence is unparallel or inconsistent. It changes from passive voice to active voice.
Incorrect: The director was welcomed to the meeting and greeted the participants.
Correction: The Chair welcomed the director, who then greeted the participants.
Test yourself. Can you work out what is inconsistent and suggest a solution?
1 Verb tenses: sloppy
Inconsistent: Maria believes that the agenda, attendance lists and minutes of the last meeting has been sent out on time, but she forgot about the postal strike.
2 Infinitives and gerunds
Inconsistent: David likes to attend the meetings, helping prepare for them and taking notes for his section.
3 Unbalanced on either side of “and” or “or”
Incorrect: We sent out the invitations, organized the room allocations and the documentation was emailed to the participants.
Suggested solutions
1 Maria believed that the agenda, attendance lists and minutes of the last meeting had been sent out on time, but she had forgotten about the postal strike.
2 David likes attending the meetings, helping prepare for them and taking notes for his section.
3 We sent out the invitations, organized the room allocations and emailed the documentation to the participants.