COMMON ERROR 4: NON-PARALLEL CONSTRUCTION

If words, phrases, clauses and sentences, which ought to be parallel in form or content but are not, the writing is ‘non-parallel’.

WRONG
I heard about her novel, her job and she was going to town.
RIGHT
I heard about her novel, her job and her trip to town.

Instead of 2 nouns and an adverbial clause, the correct version has its list of 3 nouns.

Parallel structure is important in tables of contents and sets of instructions because it helps readers understand what you have to say.

WRONG
The residents heard about the planning of a new roundabout and that access to their properties could be affected.
RIGHT
The residents heard that a new roundabout was planned and that access to their properties could be affected.

Instead of a noun phrase and a noun clause, the correct version has 2 noun clauses.
[For difference between phrases and clauses, refer blog entry: December 29, 2005;
SINGLE WORDS & GROUPS OF WORDS]