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Do I have to repeat prepositions within enumerations?

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Do I have to repeat prepositions within enumerations?

by 123nobody321 » Fri Aug 16, 2013 9:16 am
Hi guys,

I have a quick question regarding the need for a preposition in enumerations. The overall topic is "parallelism".
I made a flashcard that says that we do not need to repeat the preposition (e.g. to, in, by, from etc.) within an enumeration. But I just answered a question which does repeat it.

Here it is:
Hundreds of species of fish generate and discharge electric currents, in bursts or as steady electric fields around their bodies, using their power either to find and attach prey, to defend themselves, or also for communicating and navigating
Answer choices are:
1) either to find and attach prey, to defend themselves, or also for communicating and navigating
2) either for finding and attacking prey, defend themselves, or for communication and navigation
3) to find and attack prey, for defense, or communication and navigation
4) for finding and attacking prey, to defend themselves, or also for communication and navigation
5) to find and attack prey, to defend themselves, or to communicate and navigate

The right answer choice is (5) which repeats the "to" (to find...to defend...to communicate).

Can somebody please explain why it repeats the preposition? Do I always need to repeat it? I am confused now :S

Answers are much appreciated! :)

Best,
nobody
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by sameerballani » Fri Aug 16, 2013 10:31 am
This is : To+verb ie. infinitive.
Either you put "TO" in every parallel element or you use it once before the first parallel element
Random Eg:
R: It is important TO STUDY hard for the exam and TO CONCENTRATE on the GMAT.
R: It is important TO STUDY hard for the exam and CONCENTRATE on the GMAT.

Prepositional phrase are something that starts with a PREPOSITION(about, of, across, for, in, on, etc.)
A prepositional phrase must be parallel to another prepositional phrase, however they need not begin with same PREPOSITION.
Random Eg:
R: I kept the book ON the table, rather than UNDER the bed.

123nobody321 wrote:Hi guys,

I have a quick question regarding the need for a preposition in enumerations. The overall topic is "parallelism".
I made a flashcard that says that we do not need to repeat the preposition (e.g. to, in, by, from etc.) within an enumeration. But I just answered a question which does repeat it.

Here it is:
Hundreds of species of fish generate and discharge electric currents, in bursts or as steady electric fields around their bodies, using their power either to find and attach prey, to defend themselves, or also for communicating and navigating
Answer choices are:
1) either to find and attach prey, to defend themselves, or also for communicating and navigating
2) either for finding and attacking prey, defend themselves, or for communication and navigation
3) to find and attack prey, for defense, or communication and navigation
4) for finding and attacking prey, to defend themselves, or also for communication and navigation
5) to find and attack prey, to defend themselves, or to communicate and navigate

The right answer choice is (5) which repeats the "to" (to find...to defend...to communicate).

Can somebody please explain why it repeats the preposition? Do I always need to repeat it? I am confused now :S

Answers are much appreciated! :)

Best,
nobody
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