Wanting to create content that is ranked high by search engines, or just to present information and thoughts in any piece of writing effectively, many underestimate the importance of parallel structure. The failure to use it can compromise text readability. Therefore, to write high-performing content, you need to know how to use parallel structure in headings. It can help to complete the pre-writing stage, serving as an outline for further writing.

1. What Is Parallel Structure in Headings

First of all, it presupposes creating headings that have the same forms or patterns on one level. Put simply, if you are writing Level 1 Headings, use the same grammatical forms on this level. The same concerns Level 2, 3, and other headings. However, you can use different patterns for Level 1 and Level 2 headings.

2. How to Use It for Writing Multilevel Headings

For example:

• Writing Introduction of the Informative Essay
• Structuring Body Paragraphs
• Summarizing Ideas in Conclusion

These are examples of Level 1 headings. Here, parallelism is evident in the use of the -ing form of verbs. In other words, the beginning of headings matches the same pattern.

Similarly, it is possible to rewrite these headings using the imperative mood (especially in case of informal writing, like blog posts, or creating guidelines, recommendations, steps, etc.):

• Write Introduction of the Informative Essay
• Structure Body Paragraphs
• Summarize Ideas in Conclusion

Headings for formal writing can start with nouns:

• Introduction of the Informative Essay
• Structure of Body Paragraphs
• Summary of Ideas in Conclusion

If you want to use Level 2 headings, you can use either the pattern of Level 1 headings or some other form, but make sure that all Level 2 headings match the latter:

Level 1 Heading: Writing Introduction of the Informative Essay

• Writing a Hook to Attract Attention
• Developing a Thesis Statement

Here, both types of headings follow the same pattern. However, you can use different ones.

Level 1 Heading: Writing Introduction of the Informative Essay

• Steps of Writing a Hook to Attract Attention
• Ideas for Developing a Thesis Statement

As you can see here, Level 2 pattern lies in the use of nouns, not -ing forms. However, further Level 1 headings should be presented by means of the -ing pattern, and Level 2 ones should start with nouns.

3. What Are Examples of Mismatched Headings

Here, you can see how disrupted patterns can compromise text quality and flow of thoughts, making the text difficult to skip through or read. The role of headings is enabling the reader to understand what the article is about even without reading it fully.

Mismatched patterns look as follows:

• Write Introduction of the Informative Essay
• What Are Steps of Writing a Hook to Attract Attention
• Ideas for Developing a Thesis Statement
• Structuring Body Paragraphs
• Summarize Ideas in Conclusion

Evidently, here Level 1 heading beginning with “structuring” and Level 2 heading in the question form “what are steps” disrupt the patterns. Definitely, it does not make the text neatly organized.

4. How to Use Parallel Structure in Numbered Headings for SEO Optimization

Furthermore, if you create blog content and want it to be highly ranked by search engines, it is necessary to note that your potential readers are searching for information to the point, but not the place where to waste time on searching for important points in the article. Therefore, the main task is to present these points in headings (using here the main keyword and secondary related keywords – 2-4).

When you write informative posts or articles, wanting to present steps or recommendations, numbered headings may work well, as search engines rank the most relevant or information-packed content high. Here, headings in the form of questions can help to reach this goal:

• How to Write Introduction of the Informative Essay
• What Is the Structure of Body Paragraphs
• How to Summarize Ideas in Conclusion

Overall, try to answer as many questions related to the topic as possible and present these questions in the form of headings, starting with what, when, where, how, why, so what, etc. Use the primary keyword in Level 1 heading and secondary keywords in headings on other levels. Do not forget to run a keyword analysis before creating your post outline with headings.

Full-Sentence Headings

Full-sentence headings can also look engaging if structured parallelly. Here, you can use descriptive words, which can give more information about the article:

• Introduction with a Hook Attracts Reader’s Attention
• Body Paragraphs Should Present Evidence to Support the Thesis Statement
• Ideas in Conclusion Help to Grasp the Most Important Points

Finally, you can write the outline with headings in a template. Subscribe to be the first to get it.