Headings are usually just a few words each, but they can play a vital role in your document’s success. Their most important function is helping readers navigate your content. (No one benefits when readers are cast adrift!) And when headings are constructed with parallel structure, they also enforce consistency throughout your content and demonstrate attention to good writing … [Read more...] about Polish Your Headings with Parallel Structure
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What Is Parallel Structure?
Parallel structure, also called parallel construction and parallelism, is a method of formatting written elements so that they correspond to each other structurally. Parallel structure can be applied to any closely related elements; however, it is most often applied to headings, bulleted lists, numbered lists, lists in sentences, and tightly coupled phrases or … [Read more...] about What Is Parallel Structure?
How to Find and Replace Formatting in Microsoft Word (Tutorial)
My clients frequently ask me to edit their formatting. Formatting can include anything from italics and fonts to heading styles. Locating format issues can be difficult with the naked eye, so today’s tutorial shows you two methods to find and replace formatting in Microsoft Word using the software's built-in tools. First, we’ll look at how to find and replace formatting … [Read more...] about How to Find and Replace Formatting in Microsoft Word (Tutorial)
Block Quotations, Part 3: Block Quotation Issues and Concerns
All good things must end—even this exciting block quotation series, which I’m going to close by discussing copyright concerns, reader expectations, and alternative options to block quotations. (What’s that? Block quotations aren’t exciting? How about relatively riveting? Mildly motivating? Slightly stirring?) Here is a brief summary for those who missed the first two parts … [Read more...] about Block Quotations, Part 3: Block Quotation Issues and Concerns
Block Quotations, Part 2: How to Format Block Quotations
My last post, “Block Quotations, Part 1: How to Introduce Block Quotations,” discussed the purpose of block quotations, how long they should be, and how to introduce them in your content. Today’s follow-up explains how to format block quotations: How much should they be indented? How should you handle quotations within block quotations? Does the format change for … [Read more...] about Block Quotations, Part 2: How to Format Block Quotations
Block Quotations, Part 1: How to Introduce Block Quotations
Block quotations, also called block quotes, are long quotations that are indented from the surrounding text. In the first part of this three-part series, I’ll explain how to introduce block quotations in your content. But first, let's take a look at the purpose of block quotations and how long they should be. The Purpose of Block Quotations Although block quotations were … [Read more...] about Block Quotations, Part 1: How to Introduce Block Quotations
How to Insert Footnotes and Endnotes in Microsoft Word (Tutorial)
Manually inserting individual footnotes and endnotes in Word is relatively straightforward: type a superscript number at the end of the sentence related to the note and then scroll to the bottom of the page, section, or document to type your note's text. But manually inserting notes can get tricky if your document is more than a couple of pages long or has a lot of notes … [Read more...] about How to Insert Footnotes and Endnotes in Microsoft Word (Tutorial)
When to Use Bullet Points in Business Writing
My last post showed how to create effective bullet points using parallel construction. But, when should you actually use bullet points in business writing? Bullet points frequently appear in resumes, brochures, and on websites. These are all good locations; however, bullets tend to be underutilized in longer documents, such as case studies, white papers, and proposals. I … [Read more...] about When to Use Bullet Points in Business Writing
Parallel Structure—The Secret to Beautiful Bullet Points
Bullet points can be beautiful. Well, maybe that is a stretch, but some are definitely better looking than others! Now, I’m not talking about the actual bullet symbol—that is a topic for another blog post (but here is a quick hint: smiley face bullets should generally be avoided). I am referring to the text itself. What Is the Purpose of Bullet Points? The purpose of bullet … [Read more...] about Parallel Structure—The Secret to Beautiful Bullet Points
