Best Writing Practice: Use Parallel Phrasing for Lists

Good writing isn’t about doing big things. It’s about consistently applying small, effective practices that add up to clear and concise communication. One such practice is parallel phrasing.

What is parallel phrasing?

Parallel phrasing means using the same grammatical structure—whether single words, phrases, or clauses—for all items in a list. This consistency helps readers follow your ideas smoothly, without being distracted by uneven or disjointed structures.

Let’s look at an example:

Nonparallel

• Diabetes can be affected by exercise and diet, and family history also affects it.

Parallel

• Diabetes can be affected by exercise, diet, and family history.

The parallel version keeps all items—exercise, diet, and family history—in the same structure, making the sentence easier to understand.

Here’s another example:

Nonparallel

1. Read the pressure.
2. Once the pressure reaches the set point, close the valve.
3. Record the actual pressure.
4. Pump should be switched off.

Parallel

1. Read the pressure.
2. Close the valve once the pressure reaches the set point.
3. Record the actual pressure.
4. Switch off the pump.

In the parallel version, all instructions begin with a verb, keeping the format consistent and easier to follow.

Why does this matter?

Parallel phrasing improves clarity, rhythm, and comprehension. Whether you’re writing procedures, bulleted lists, or multi-part instructions, maintaining consistent structure keeps your reader focused on the message—not the mechanics of the sentence.

When listing multiple items, check that they follow the same grammatical form. It’s a simple tweak that can significantly elevate your writing.

Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail.

LEONARDO da VINCI

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