Hello,
I have a spreadsheet where every three rows alternate between shaded and
non-shaded.

I am using data validation beginning in cell C5.  My list (which is on a
separate sheet) looks like this:
Fruit            Apple
Fruit            Pear
Veggie         Broccoli
Veggie         Carrot
... and so on.  

So, the drop down list in C5 contains the second column of values, and when
you select one of them, whatever is next to it in the first column will
automatically display in B5 (e.g. you select 'Pear' and 'Fruit' automatically
appears because of the 'offset' function).

My question is this: the cell with the automatic value, B5, does not keep
the same formatting as the cells around it. How can I copy the formatting
from column A or C when using this offset function? I don't know how to do
conditional formatting to match the formatting next to the cell.

Hope this makes sense! Thanks in advance