When a sentence starts out with one kind of structure and then changes to another kind, it confuses readers. If readers have trouble following the meaning of your sentence, read the sentence aloud and make sure that it contains a subject and a verb (31c). Look for mixed structures (41a), subjects and predicates that do not make sense together (41b), and comparisons with unclear meanings (41e). When you join elements (such as subjects or verb phrases) with a coordinating conjunction —and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet— make sure that the elements have parallel structures (37b).