Which version shows proper parallel structure in a list?

• A. She likes reading, writing, and painting.
• B. She likes reading, writing, and to paint.
• C. She likes reading, writing, and paint.
• D. She likes reading, writing; painting.

Answer: (A)

Parallel structure in a list means keeping the same grammatical form for every item after the introductory part. After the verb like, the three activities should all be in the same form, which here are gerunds: reading, writing, and painting. That consistency makes the sentence flow smoothly and clearly.

The version with reading, writing, and painting uses all gerunds, so the pattern stays intact and reads naturally. The others mix forms: reading and writing are gerunds, but to paint is an infinitive, which breaks the pattern. Using paint is a different form as well, not matching the gerunds. And using a semicolon to separate reading, writing from painting disrupts the list’s unity and isn’t correct punctuation for a simple series in this context.

So, the version with reading, writing, and painting keeps the parallel structure and is the best choice.