Question #N411
The new director of the local symphony, a renowned conductor, is a talented musician with a long history of working with orchestras. Before joining the symphony, he had led orchestras in several countries, but he is looking forward to the challenges of leading a new group of musicians in the United States.
Which choice best maintains the parallel structure of the sentences?
A. Before joining the symphony, he had led orchestras in several countries, but he is looking forward to the challenges of leading a new group of musicians in the United States.
B. Before joining the symphony, he had led orchestras in several countries, and is looking forward to the challenges of leading a new group of musicians in the United States.
C. Before joining the symphony, he had led orchestras in several countries, and he looks forward to the challenges of leading a new group of musicians in the United States.
D. Before joining the symphony, he had led orchestras in several countries, and he is looking forward to the challenges of leading a new group of musicians in the United States.
Correct Answer is: C
The sentences are in parallel when the verb tenses are consistent. The original sentence uses the past tense ("had led") and the present tense ("is looking forward"). The most natural way to maintain the parallel structure is to use the present tense in the second part of the sentence: "and he looks forward."