Nonparallel Sentences

Two or more similar (parallel) ideas should be presented in the same pattern, whether within sentences or between sentences. Lack of parallelism creates an awkward style. For example, the clauses in this sentence are not parallel: "Mr. Reynolds dictated the letter and next he signed it, and left the office." Compare that to this: "Mr. Reynolds dictated the letter, signed it, and left the office."

Awkward Pointers

To save words, business writers will often point readers' attention backward with expressions like "as mentioned above," "the aforementioned," "the former," "the latter," and so on. Doing so is a distraction to the reader and is usually unnecessary. If a reference does need to be made, it is better to name or restate the specific thing to which you are referring.

Misassembled Sentences

A misassembled sentence is one in which an element is in the wrong place. The most common misplacement is at the beginning of the sentence, creating a "dangling modifier." Take this awkward example: "Walking to the office, a red sports car passed him." Moving the modifier is an easy solution here: "A red sports car passed him while he was walking to the office."