Essential Grammar: Parallel Structure

To help your writing flow smoothly and make sense, use the same format for items you present in a series.  Sentences and lists are awkward when they contain a series of items with inconsistent grammatical structure. But as your reader scans through a series of items with parallel grammatical structure, the relationships between different items of information become clear

Grammar, Grace Kelly, and Parallel Style

Skillful writers can make grammar downright alluring: “Rare beauty and stunning self-possession … propelled Grace Kelly into the Hollywood pantheon, onto the Best-Dressed List, and ultimately to Monaco’s royal palace …. As London’s Victoria and Albert Museum unveils an exhibition devoted to Kelly’s style, … the author looks at the intertwined qualities of an icon: white-gloved ingénue, elegant goddess, passionate—and frankly sexual—romantic.” – Laura Jacobs, Vanity Fair, May 2010 These sentences contain a lot of information, but parallel grammar makes them easy to follow

The Web and the Search for Parallel Verbs

Lists are a great way to organize information – especially for a business document. “10 Simple Google Search Tricks” by Simon Mackie (New York Times, April 2, 2010) is a good illustration of how lists get stronger and weaker through parallel grammar. Here are some of the headings in his list: “1

Effective E-Mail Webinar: Listen Anytime

On March 17th, Write It Well President Natasha Terk led a webinar for EAP titled “Effective E-Mail.” Listen to it here! http://www.aeapteleseminar

EAP Webinar Info

Thanks to all of you who attended the “Effective E-Mail” webinar on March 17th. The feedback has been amazing! I’ll post a recording soon. (As Cindy said during the webinar, the slides are not available for distribution