The careful technical writer always uses parallel construction in paragraphs, lists, and even sentences. For sentences that’s just good grammar. So what is parallel construction?
parallel sentences
According to my oldest textbook on technical writing, a sentence is parallel if its coordinate elements are expressed in the same grammatical form. By creating and maintaining a recognizable pattern to the reader, parallelism makes the sentence easier to follow.
The Global English Style Guide calls the parallel structure ‘using syntax keys’, which essentially says the same thing as the previous paragraphs. However, by saying ‘syntactic clues’, you can really see that the way something is written becomes part of the document’s syntax or pattern.
Here are some examples:
non-parallel statements
- Our current system is costing us profits and reducing our productivity. (non-parallel verbs)
- Dignitaries watched the launch and the crew applauded. (non-parallel voice)
- The typist must follow the printed instructions; do not change the creator’s work. (non-parallel mood)
parallel statements
- Our current system is costing us profits and reducing our productivity.
- Dignitaries watched the launch and applauded the crew.
- The typist must follow the printed instructions and not change the author’s work.
That should give you an idea about parallel sentence structures. Now let’s look at parallel lists.
parallel lists
The parallel structure in lists means that the list has a standard pattern throughout. The following incorrect example is pretty egregious, but you get the point.
Incorrect
Windows offers several ways to open documents:
- You can open your document from the program you used to create it.
- Use the My recent documents command in the Begin to open a document you have used recently.
- Tea Look for command in the Begin The menu locates the document and you can then open it.
- Double-click a document icon in My computer open a document.
Correct
Windows offers several ways to open documents:
- Open your document from the program you used to create it.
- Use the My recent documents on the Start menu to open a document you’ve used recently.
- Use the Look for command in the Begin to locate the document and then open it.
- Double-click a document icon in My computer.
Notice that in each correct example, the sentences are imperatives. Believe it or not, despite how you feel when your mother is speaking, readers prefer the imperative.
Parallelism in paragraphs, topics and documents
The best way to put your reader at ease is to establish a pattern to all the information. All paragraphs in the same section should have the same voice and mood. All topics must follow the same pattern. All documents must have the same structure. This takes the drama out of writing, but let’s be real, when you need information now, who needs drama?
For example, if your document has a chapter that begins with a heading, a short introductory sentence, and a list of the information found in the chapter. All chapters should have that structure. Otherwise, it’s very obvious that you have multiple authors or one totally giddy person writing your document. The advantage is that once you establish a pattern, it’s easier to write and read.
Also, once you’ve established a pattern, readers may pay attention to the information and not even notice the writing. Isn’t that the goal of true technical writers? If it isn’t, it certainly should be.