5. Put ideas of similar content and function into similar form.

• Use parallel structure for sentence elements joined by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, etc.)


Not: The seminar covered reviewing punctuation rules, how to apply spelling and usage strategies, and use proofer's marks.
But: The seminar covered punctuation rules, spelling and usage strategies, and proofer's marks.
 
• Use parallel structure after correlative conjunctions (either-or, neither-nor, not only-but also, both-and, whether-or, etc.)
  
  Not: The manager demands not only that daily time cards be punched but also employees must turn in weekly time statements.
  But: The manager demands not only that daily time cards be punched but also that weekly time statements be turned in.
  Or: The manager demands that employees not only punch daily time cards but also turn in weekly time statements.
   
• Use parallel structure in headings and subheadings.
  
  Not:  The Overall View
          About the Terminal Phase
          To Understand the Constant-Bearing Concept
  But:  The Overall View
          The Terminal Phase
          The Constant-Bearing Concept
   
• Use parallel structure in lists.
  
  Not: Business people who want to succeed must learn
         - effective communications methods
         - to organize their time, and
         - operating on their own initiative.
  
  To correct the example above, read each item in the series one at a time as if it directly follows the verb learn. Then choose one pattern as your standard and make all other items conform to it.
  
  But:  Business people who want to succeed must learn to:
          - communicate effectively,
          - organize their time, and
          - operate on their own initiative.