What does the word parallel mean when applied to listed items?

To be grammatically correct, items in a list should be parallel in construct; that is, they must be expressed in similar fashion.

The list below has items that are not parallel:

Participants will learn several skills in the workshop:

• How to overcome writer's block
• A systematic writing process
• Planning the written document

The list below has the same items in parallel construct:

Participants will learn several skills in the workshop:

• Overcoming writer's block
• Using a systematic writing process
• Planning the written document

or 

Participants will learn several skills in the workshop:

• How to overcome writer's block
• How to use a systematic writing process
• How to plan the written document

Always begin items in a list with the same type of word (noun, adjective, verb, etc.) to achieve parallelism.

How should individual items in the list be designated?

If the list is in a paragraph, use numbers or letters enclosed within parentheses to identify each item:

The training will cover three areas: (1) sources of conflict,

(2) conflict-handling skills, and (3) conflict-handling strategies. 

In a displayed list, use numbers or letters followed by a period to identify items if (a) the list is lengthy, (b) the text must refer to items in the list, or (c) the items are listed in decreasing order of importance.

1. Understanding sources and patterns of conflict
2. Recognizing and adapting to others' behavior types
3. Mediating conflicts between others

Use bullets or dashes to identify items in a displayed list when items are of equal importance and will not have to be referred to by number or letter:

The evaluation will assess: 

• Our understanding of the problem
• Our ability to satisfy all requirements
• Our approach to solving the problem

Should the first words of each item in a list be capitalized?

In a paragraph list, do not capitalize the first word of an item unless each item in the list is a complete sentence or an item begins with a proper noun:

In your documentation, please include (a) a cost summary,

(b) a program summary, and (c) Baldwin's sources of rates. 

but 

In an emergency, remember to observe the following

procedures: (1) Call the security hot-line. (2) Close all

windows and doors. (3) Wait for help to arrive. 

In a displayed list, capitalize the first word of each item:

• Direct costs
• Overhead costs
• Profit or fee

EXCEPTION: If listed items complete the thought begun in the introductory sentence, do not capitalize the first word of the item:

Our profitability can be assured by

1. lowering our overhead,
2. reducing the amount of rework activity, and
3. instituting a program of planning and follow-up.

What punctuation, if any, is placed at the end of each item in a list?

In a paragraph list, separate each item with a comma or semicolon. End the last item in the list with a period.

Our training will help you to (1) save time, (2) deliver effective

presentations, and (3) increase your personal satisfaction. 

or 

You will be able to (a) design effective visuals; (b) plan,

prepare, and deliver several presentations; and (c) learn

methods for reducing stress. 

In a displayed list, place a period after each item only when one or more of the items is a complete sentence.

Successful speakers convey the following to their audiences:

Knowledge
Experience
Confidence

 

but

To make the most efficient use of your audience's time:

• Know your audience.
• Limit yourself to discussing essential ideas.
• Use ordinary language.

What punctuation follows the introductory word to a list?

If the preceding sentence contains anticipatory phrases or words like as follows, thus, these, etc., use a colon:

The German shepherd was trained to respond to these

commands: 

• Heel
• Attack
• Recover

or 

Our approach has the following drawbacks:

1. It conflicts with our technical strategy.
2. The cost structure leaves no margin for error.
3. The risk factors have not been realistically addressed.

When the sentence is lengthy and the anticipatory word occurs very early in the sentence, use a period:

The following steps may be initiated at any time during

the procedure to ensure the viability of the final outcome.

1. Inspection
2. Analysis
3. Corrective action

In paragraph lists where the list follows a preposition or a verb, do not precede the list with any mark of punctuation:

Our customer will award the contract on the basis of (1) our

perceived strengths, (2) our perceived weaknesses, and

(3) our competitors' perceived strengths and weaknesses. 

or 

We must (a) look sharp at all times, (b) always be courteous

and kind, and (c) never lose our composure. 

In a displayed list, use a colon when the list follows a verb:

The three criteria addressed in the analysis are: 

1. Understanding of the problem
2. Soundness of problem approach
3. Extent of compliance with program requirements

NOTE: Although the above example is quite acceptable, some editors would prefer that the lead-in sentence be rewritten as follows:

The analysis addresses three criteria: 

1. Understanding of the problem
2. Soundness of problem approach
3. Extent of compliance with program requirements