Writing in Plain Language, Part 8: Parallel Structure

Writing in plain language requires not only clarity and conciseness, but consistency too. Parallel structure, the expression of like ideas in grammatically and conceptually consistent terms, is a key for keeping words, phrases, clauses, and lists accurate, clear, and concise. The examples below show how using parallel structure improves messages.

Word
Nonparallel: Amy studies, plays, and likes socializing.
Parallel:  Amy studies, plays, and socializes.

Phrase
Nonparallel: Bjartur analyzed the data, was writing the report, and presented the results.
Parallel: Bjartur analyzed the data, wrote the report, and presented the results.

Clause
Nonparallel: Carol is designing the project, and it is being managed by Delano.
Parallel: Carol designs the project, and Delano manages it.

List
Nonparallel: The inspection team identified the following performance deficiencies:

• Insufficient security staff
• The quality of the materials is poor
• Production staff need to be trained
• Are the deadlines being met?

Parallel: The inspection team identified the following performance deficiencies:

• insufficient security staff
• poor material quality
• ineffective production staff
• missed deadlines