When you list items, use only gerund phrases or infinitive phrases. Remaining consistent ensures that you achieve parallel construction, which is another way of saying that you represent your words and phrases in the same grammatical form.
Here is an inconsistent list:
- Maintenance of client list.
- Expense accounts calculated.
- Travel arrangements.
In the above list, notice how each item is listed in a different form. To make the list consistent, use either gerund or infinitive phrases.
| Using Gerund Phrases: |
Using Infinitive Phrases: |
| 1. Maintaining client lists. |
1. (To) Maintain client lists. |
| 2. Calculating expense accounts. |
2. (To) Calculate expense accounts. |
| 3. Making travel arrangements. |
3. (To) Make travel arrangements. |
As shown in the examples above, make the following lists parallel using either gerund or infinitive phrases.
List 1:
- Ordered office supplies
- Appointment scheduling
- Certificate renewal
List 2:
- Coordination of schedules
- Supplies distributed
- Phone follow-up with clients
List 3:
- Staff training
- The development of policy
- Profit and loss reconciliation
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