2. Parallelism is a writing technique that improves the overall
flow and style of business reports and documents.
It is the writer’s word for consistency. using similar structures
to express similar ideas.
Use identical noun, adjective, or verb forms in your writing, so
that it is easy to read and understand.
3. The simplest example of parallelism is when using bullet
points.
Be consistent and use:
a noun with other nouns.
an -ing form with other -ing forms, and so on.
4. Inconsistent or Faulty Parallelism.
If you hire a contractor to make home improvements, follow
these recommendations:
Find out if the contractor belongs to a trade association.
Obtain estimates in writing.
The contractor should provide references.
The contractor must be insured.
Avoid contractors who ask for cash to dodge paying taxes.
5. Correct and Consistent.
If you hire a contractor to make home improvements, follow
these recommendations:
Find out if the contractor belongs to a trade association.
Obtain estimates in writing.
Ask for references.
Make sure that the contractor is insured.
Avoid contractors who ask for cash to dodge paying taxes.
6. Here is another example of parallelism when listing items
within a sentence.
Inconsistent: Our priorities include linking employee
performance to compensation, keeping administrative costs
down, and the expansion of computer use.
Consistent: Our priorities include linking employee
performance to compensation, keeping administrative costs
down, and expanding our computer use.
