Why is consistent verb form important in English grammar?

Consistency in verb forms is crucial in English grammar as it ensures that the sentence is well-structured and easy to understand. When comparing two activities or elements in a sentence, maintaining the same form of the verb helps create a parallel structure.

For example, in the sentence "I like swimming better than diving," both "swimming" and "diving" are in the -ing form, which keeps the sentence clear and concise. If we were to change "diving" to "to dive" or "more than to dive," the sentence would sound awkward and confusing.

By using consistent verb forms, we not only follow the rules of English grammar but also improve the flow and readability of our sentences. This practice helps convey our intended meaning effectively to the reader or listener.