Identifying parallel structure

Parallel structure means that you use the same pattern of words in similar circumstances (e.g. 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 AList BList 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:

NonparallelParallel

The nurse can:

  • understand the importance of research in improving nursing care and measuring outcomes
  • incorporate research findings into the nursing practice
  • has an opportunity to conduct nursing-based research.

The nurse can:

  • understand the importance of research in improving nursing care and measuring outcomes
  • incorporate research findings into the nursing practice
  • conduct nursing-based research.

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.

Common areas to check

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.