Editors look for parallel construction while editing your work.
Below are some examples:
Gerund and Noun
Incorrect:
Complete the report by writing a summary or by submission of an abstract.
Correct:
Complete the report by writing a summary or by submitting an abstract.
Gerund and Infinitive
Incorrect:
Her duties are tracking messages and to phone customers.
Correct:
Her duties are tracking messages and phoning customers.
Her duties are to track messages and to phone customers.
Lists
Incorrect:
Our company provides excellent service including the following:
1. Preparing your artwork with attention to detail
2. We manufacture to your specification
3. Timely delivery
Correct:
Our company provides excellent service including the following:
1. Preparing artwork with attention to detail
2. Manufacturing product to your specification
3. Delivering goods in a timely manner
According to the
Chicago Manual of Style, capitalize the first word of each item in a list and do not place a period at the end unless the item is a complete sentence.
