Lists of bullet points: maintaining a parallel structure

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Lists of bullet points are often used in technical writing. Such lists are useful in that they convey information concisely and are easy to find in a document because they are prominent.

In lists of bullet points, the most common error occurs when the items do not share a common structure, for example, when some items are written as whole sentences while other items are written as incomplete phrases. Even when all items are whole sentences, mixed structures are seen when some items are written in the active voice and some in the passive voice. Such a mix weakens the list and confuses readers.

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Here is an example of a list that is not structured well.

To ensure vigorous growth of seedlings,it is important to select well-filled-out and heavy seedsuse fertile soilavoid overwateringthe pots should be kept away from the afternoon sunsupport them with stakes.

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Compare the above list with the one that follows.

To ensure vigorous growth of seedlings,sow heavy, well-filled-out seedsuse fertile soilavoid overwateringkeep the pots away from the afternoon sunsupport the seedlings with stakes.

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As you can see, all the items in the second list are similar: all are short sentences in the active voice, all begin with a verb, and all are simple instructions. In other words, all the items share a parallel structure.

Using a parallel structure is equally important in "run on" lists, that is, lists in the form of a continuous sentence in which the items are not separated with bullets or numbers, for example, "Public buses are better than private cars because buses are bigger, cheaper, and safer."

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