diff --git a/doc/src/reference.xml b/doc/src/reference.xml
index bc4f64a45..19e4fd0d4 100644
--- a/doc/src/reference.xml
+++ b/doc/src/reference.xml
@@ -1568,8 +1568,9 @@ using boostbook : <optional><replaceable>docbook-xsl-dir</replaceable></optional
 
           </variablelist>
 
-          The boostbook module defines a rule for creating a target
-          following the common syntax.
+          <para>The boostbook module defines a rule for creating a target
+          following the common syntax.</para>
+
           <variablelist>
 
             <varlistentry>
@@ -1652,8 +1653,9 @@ using doxygen : <optional><replaceable>name</replaceable></optional> ;
 
           </variablelist>
 
-          The doxygen module defines a rule for creating a target
-          following the common syntax.
+          <para>The doxygen module defines a rule for creating a target
+          following the common syntax.</para>
+
           <variablelist>
 
             <varlistentry>