1. Parallelism
Use the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same importance:
Words and phrases
Forms
Clauses
Lists
Written English is most clear and concise when ideas are expresses in a parallel pattern. Patterns fall into four areas: words and phrases, forms, clauses. In fact, parallelism fosters conciseness. Conciseness in its most efficient sense means not only saying things in the fewest words, but also saying them in a way in which the connections among concepts are immediately apparent, so that a reader understands the meaning on the first reading.
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2. Words connected by “and” must be of the same part of speech:
Parallelism: Words
Words connected by “and” must be of the same part of speech:
This report will discuss road repairs in terms of efficiency, of them being reliable, and if the repairs are costly.
vs.
This report will discuss road repairs in terms of efficiency, reliability, and cost.
Remain consistent, or parallel, in your words and phrases. A common mistake is mixing parts of speech. The first example above is not parallel. However, by rewording the second sentence, we can ensure parallelism, and thus clarity and conciseness.
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3. With the -ing form (gerund) of words:
Parallelism: Phrases
With the -ing form (gerund) of words:
Example: The construction manager established a protocol that includes reviewing plans every morning, asking questions at stated intervals, and summarizing work at the end of the day.
With infinitive phrases: Example: A daily protocol was established to review plans, (to) field questions, and (to) summarize work.
Remain consistent, or parallel, in your words and phrases. A common mistake is mixing patterns with the –ing form (gerund) of words. The examples above illustrate correct parallelism. To challenge students, have them write versions of these sentences that are NOT parallel:
Example 1
Not parallel: The construction manager established a protocol that includes reviewing plans every morning, asking questions at stated intervals, and the summarization of work at the end of the day.
Example 2
Not parallel: A daily protocol was established to review plans, field questions, and summarize work.
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4. Do not mix forms: Parallelism: Forms
Not Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner.
Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly. OR
The production manager was asked to write a detailed report quickly and accurately.
Mixing forms is another common misstep. Each element in the sentence, a list in the example above, must remain consistent, or parallel. Sometimes remaining parallel forces us to choose a different word, as in the example above. However, if you will also notice, our new word choice also reduces our word count - another plus!
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5. Parallelism: Clauses
A parallel structure that begins with clauses must continue using clauses.
Not Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the game.
Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game.
A parallel structure that begins with clauses must continue using clauses. Though it may sound redundant to continue using the same type of clause throughout the sentence, parallel sentences must contain the same types of clauses throughout. If your sentence is too long and difficult to understand by remaining parallel, consider using a different clause to convey the same message. You may even reduce your word count!
Alternate parallel structure: The coach told the players to sleep, eat, and exercise appropriately before the game. (14 words)
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6. Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.
Parallelism: Lists
Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.
Not Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.
Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to look up word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.
In technical writing, you may often use lists to describe procedures, ingredients, or test results. Therefore, it’s important to remember to remain parallel. Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form. (Plurals were used in the examples above by design.)
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7. Practice Examples Sample Revision:
In Indiana, some common techniques for Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) rehabilitation are overlay, crack-and-seat with overlay, break-and-seat with overlay, and total reconstruction. Which alternative is selected depends on the type of pavement and its condition. The most common technique of PCC rehabilitation is HMA overlays on rubblized PCC. In this technique, the concrete PCC slab is reduced in place to approximately the size of aggregate base material. (68 words)
Here is the paragraph revised to follow some of the guidelines in this slide presentation. Though many, many alternative exist, and can form the basis for long discussions with students, these revisions improve the conciseness of the sentences, and thus make the messages in this paragraph easier to understand.

8. Where to Go to Get More Help
Purdue University Writing Lab
Heavilon 226
Web:
Phone: (765)
Rationale: Purdue students are invited to meet with a tutor to assist with writing challenges on an individual basis. Viewers outside of Purdue may receive assistance through the OWL (Online Writing Lab) and answers to quick questions through the OWL service.

9. The End CONCISENESS OF LANGUAGE: FURTHER APPLICATIONS
Adapted by Allen Brizee and Dr. Linda Bergmann from the “Little Red Schoolhouse” by Dr. Joseph Williams (U of Chicago) and Dr. Gregory Colomb (U of Virginia)
Brought to you in cooperation with the Purdue Online Writing Lab
Thank you for using a Purdue OWL resource.