Use parallel structure to enhance flow and emphasize relationships of ideas.

What is parallel structure?

Parallel structure is consistency. It's putting ideas of similar content and function into similar form to add balance and rhythm to your document as well as to show the relationships of ideas.

Human beings respond to rhythm. We seem better able to absorb information if it has a pattern or rhythm to it. Do you remember how you learned your ABC's? You sang them. The rhythm helped you absorb the message. That's also why so much advertising depends on music -- the rhythm helps listeners remember the product.

Using parallel structure to put rhythm or patterns into your document will improve the document's flow and help readers understand and remember your message better.

How and when should I use parallel structure?

This week we'll review the first of four rules that will help you be consistent and follow through on expected patterns.

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

In the following example, note how much more readable the parallel version is.

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.

This edition was adapted from our Effective Business Writing Program. Previous editions may be read at http://www.uliveandlearn.com/newsletters/index.cfm.