𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙢 is a fundamental writing rule that ensures there is a symmetry in sentence structures.
This makes it easier for the reader to absorb the information, increases reading speed, and therefore comprehension.
To use parallel structure, you use the same grammatical form, usually of the verb, or it could be the noun. You should use parallel structure in:
🎯 Bulleted lists
🎯 Tabulated information
🎯 Heading titles throughout a document
🎯 Titles of documents Some examples...
Heading titles for your process could be:
1. Receipt the material
2. Test the material
3. Release the material
4. Dispense the material for a batch.
Parallel structure is around the verb form as the first word. It could just as easily be the 'ing' form of the verb (receipting, testing, releasing, dispensing).
What about in a table? Do the same thing. If you were tabulating a summary of each of the four material activities, each row would start with No. 1-4 above, in the same parallel structure. What about if you had procedures and instructions on managing materials, what would you call them?
SOP XXXX Managing Incoming Materials to the Facility WI XXXX Receipting Incoming Materials WI XXXX Testing Materials WI XXX Releasing Materials for Use in Manufacturing WI XXX Dispensing Materials for a Batch Parallel structure makes it easier to quickly read and understand a list - in any format.
And its predictable! Try changing the parallel structure back to a more awkward form. I doesn't read as easily, does it? What's easier for your users? Do you consider parallel structure when you write documents? 🤔