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Australian manual of scientific style Start communicating effectively
Using parallel structure
Parallel structure means that you use the same pattern of words in similar circumstances (eg in headings within a document, in a list of bullet points).
When you use parallel structure, there is no ‘odd one out’ – all the items have the same look and grammatical structure:
|
List A |
List B |
List C |
|---|---|---|
|
Select the wash cycle Select the temperature Add detergent Start the machine |
Selecting the wash cycle Selecting the temperature Adding detergent Starting the machine |
To select the wash cycle To select the temperature To add detergent To start the machine |
Nonparallel items can be ‘jarring’ and grammatically incorrect when they clash with the grammar of the lead-in, as in the third bullet point in the following example:
|
Nonparallel |
Parallel |
|---|---|
|
The nurse can:
|
The nurse can:
|
Tip. To ensure parallel structure in lists, make sure your lead-in sentence makes sense when read with each of the bullet points. Read the lead-in sentence with each bullet point aloud to check for parallel construction.
For example, the nonparallel example above – The nurse can has an opportunity to conduct nursing-based research – does not make sense. The parallel example – The nurse can conduct nursing-based research – does make sense.
This will not pick up every problem, but is a simple and useful test.
Nonparallel structure is found in everything from individual sentences to the overall structure of a document. Common areas for nonparallel structure to keep an eye on include:
- headings
Having a baby
Retirement
Seniors
becomes
Having a baby
Retiring
Getting older
Tip. Check if headings are parallel by looking at the table of contents. If you have used styles in your document, use the Microsoft Word Navigation pane or the Google Docs Document Outline pane.
- lists and bullet points
Before you sign a new deal, you should:
- make sure you’ve made accurate comparisons and that the deal will be right for you
- terms and conditions on the contract should be carefully checked
- check cooling-off periods in case you change your mind.
becomes
Before you sign a new deal, you should:
- make sure you’ve made accurate comparisons and that the deal will be right for you
- read the terms and conditions on the contract carefully
- check cooling-off periods in case you change your mind.
- lists that occur within sentences
The project involved interviewing 8 farmers and to survey 2 agricultural organisations.
becomes
The project involved interviewing 8 farmers and surveying 2 agricultural organisations.
- sets of instructions
To develop a water safety plan:
- assess the system
- describe the water supply
- construct a flow diagram
- intended uses and vulnerability should be identified
- confirm the flow diagram through an onsite inspection.
becomes
To develop a water safety plan:
- assess the system
- describe the water supply
- construct a flow diagram
- identify intended uses and vulnerability
- confirm the flow diagram through an onsite inspection.