Parallel construction keeps things equal

Parallel construction means that like parts of a document are treated in the same way. Parallel construction helps create consistency; the reader can move through the document. When parallel construction is violated, readers subconsciously know something is wrong, even if they can’t recognize what it is.

When you use bullets, numbers, heads, or subheads, pay attention to parallel construction. Most bullets are organized with a lead verb. With numbers, each number usually is a complete, stand-alone sentence. Here’s an example of proper parallel construction for bullets where each bullet starts with a verb:

Here’s the plan for communicating the new vacation procedures:
· Draft the procedures.
· Have the draft reviewed.
· Revise draft.
· Obtain approvals.

Use gender neutral language

• Avoid irrelevant gender descriptions such as “lady lawyer,” “woman pilot,” or “male nurse.”
• Watch your language. Waiters and waitresses are servers. Stewardesses are flight attendants. Mailmen, policemen, and firemen are, respectively, mail or postal carriers, police officers, and firefighters.
• Terms like “Girls,” and “Girl Fridays,” and "secretary" are as antiquated as typewriters. Use "assistant" or "admin."
• Avoid the he/she or him/her problem by using plural nouns such as employees, readers, clients that take plural pronouns -- their and them.
• Avoid sexist assumptions. A spouse is not always a wife -- and, in fact, there may be a partner, not a spouse.
• Avoid characterizing men and women in a way that is derogatory to one, such as “assertive men” and “aggressive women.”