Discrepancy

Definition

Discrepancy refers to a lack of agreement or consistency between elements in a sentence, which can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. In writing, maintaining parallel structure is essential for clarity, and discrepancies often arise when similar items are presented in different grammatical forms or structures. Addressing discrepancies is crucial for creating balanced and effective writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Discrepancies often occur in lists where elements are presented in different forms, such as mixing nouns with verbs or adjectives with adverbs.
2. Faulty parallelism can result in discrepancies that confuse readers, making it difficult to understand the intended meaning of a sentence.
3. Effective use of parallel structure helps avoid discrepancies and enhances the rhythm and flow of writing.
4. Revising sentences for parallelism can help identify and correct discrepancies that weaken the overall message.
5. Paying attention to conjunctions can help maintain parallel structure and prevent discrepancies in writing.

Review Questions

• How can discrepancies impact the clarity of a sentence?
  • Discrepancies can significantly hinder the clarity of a sentence by introducing inconsistencies in structure. For example, if one part of a list uses nouns while another uses verbs, readers may struggle to understand the relationship between the items. This confusion can lead to misinterpretation of the intended message, making it crucial to maintain parallel structure throughout the writing.
• What are some common examples of faulty parallelism that may lead to discrepancies?
  • Common examples of faulty parallelism include mixing different grammatical forms within lists or phrases. For instance, using 'running, jumping, and to swim' creates a discrepancy because 'to swim' does not match the other gerunds. Another example is 'She likes hiking, biking, and to swim,' where 'to swim' is inconsistent with 'hiking' and 'biking.' Identifying these discrepancies is essential for achieving coherent writing.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for correcting discrepancies in writing.
  • Correcting discrepancies in writing involves several strategies that enhance clarity and coherence. One effective method is to revise sentences for parallel structure by ensuring all items in a series share the same grammatical form. Additionally, using conjunctions properly can help connect similar ideas and maintain consistency. Overall, evaluating and refining these strategies not only eliminates discrepancies but also strengthens the writing's overall impact and readability.

Related terms

parallel structure: The use of the same grammatical form or pattern in a series of words, phrases, or clauses to create balance and clarity.

faulty parallelism: A writing error that occurs when items in a series do not match in structure, leading to a lack of clarity and coherence.

conjunctions: Words used to connect clauses or sentences, which can help maintain parallel structure when listing similar ideas.