Do you use commas or semicolons in a list? Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas . There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.
How do you use commas and semicolons in a list?
Usually, we use a comma to separate three items or more in a list. However, if one or more of these items contain commas, then you should use a semicolon, instead of a comma, to separate the items and avoid potential confusion .
Do you use commas or semicolons in a list after a colon?
Commas should be used following the colon in a list EXCEPT when there are internal commas in the list . Internal commas make the sentence more complex, and semicolons are needed to help keep the meaning clear.
How do you punctuate a list with commas?
How do you use a semicolon in a list examples?
Semicolons separate items in a complex list . For example, The Council is comprised of ten members: three from Sydney, Australia; four from Auckland, New Zealand; two from Suva, Fiji; and one from Honiara, Solomon Islands. Semicolons join two closely related independent clauses.
How do you punctuate a list in a list?
Punctuation for Lists of Items Within a Sentence
Use commas after each item in a list of three or more items . Nurses monitor a patient’s vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and pulse. Use semi-colons after each item in a list if one or more items already includes a comma.
What punctuation do you use for a list?
The Comma . The comma is also used to separate items in a list.
How do you write a list in a sentence with a colon?
Use a colon before a series or list only if the words that introduce the list make up a complete sentence : To make a cake you need a few basic ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, milk, flour, leavener, and salt.
How do you punctuate a colon list?
Rule 3: With tabular format, a colon customarily precedes a list . If the introductory statement is a complete sentence and the listed items are complete sentences as well, the listed items are capitalized and punctuated as complete sentences.
Do you use semicolons in a bulleted list?
Don’t use a period after bullet lists that are not complete sentences or do not complete the opening stem sentence. Don’t use semicolons to end punctuation . Use either all full sentences in your bullet lists or all fragments.
Do you use a comma when listing 3 things?
As mentioned above, when you are listing three or more items, commas should separate each element of the list . However, the final comma—the one that comes before the and—is optional. This comma is called the serial comma or the Oxford comma. Whether or not you use the serial comma is a style choice.
Should I put a comma before the last item in a list?
The final comma in a list of items is known as an Oxford comma or serial comma. Some writers omit it, but doing so can cause confusion . In the example immediately above, the serial comma makes it clear that the writer is taking two separate economics courses next semester. Omitting the serial comma makes this unclear.
How do you write a list?
Lists emphasize important points and help readers follow a sequence. Use exactly the spacing, indentation, punctuation, and caps style shown in the following discussion and illustrations. Make list items parallel in phrasing. Make sure that each item in the list reads grammatically with the lead-in.
Do you put a comma before and in a list of names?
Although many of us were taught not to use a comma before and in a list, today the vast majority of style guides do advocate the use of the serial comma because it can prevent a possible misreading.
What are the rules for introducing a list with a colon?
Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause . For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare.
Do you use a colon or semicolon before bullet points?
Bulleted lists are considered a little less formal, so there is no right or wrong way to introduce them. If the each line item in the list logically ends what comes before the colon, or if each line item is a complete sentence, place an end mark after each (not commas or semicolons); otherwise, use nothing.
Do you always need a colon before a list?
Something is clearly missing. This means that no colon is needed and it would be incorrect to use one before the list. So if you have a list, remember you only use a colon before it if the list follows a clause that could be used on its own .
How do you list multiple names in a sentence?
Do you use a semicolon before the last item in a list?
Should bullet points have commas?
you do not use full stops within bullet points – where possible start another bullet point or use commas, dashes or semicolons to expand. you do not put “or”, “and” after the bullet points. there is no punctuation at the end of bullet points .
Where do commas go when Listing 4 things?
In a list of three or more elements, add a comma after each element except the last . In a list of three or more elements, add a comma after each element except the last.
How do you list three items?
The three items in the list may be words, phrases, or clauses . Unless there is another reason for a comma, a list of only two items or phrases does NOT take a comma before “and” or “or.” A list written in a paragraph should have a comma after each item (except the period after the last).
Does January 2021 need a comma?
What is the Oxford comma rule?
The Oxford comma is the comma placed before the conjunction at the end of a list of things . For example, in “the flag was red, white, and blue”, the Oxford comma would be the one appearing before “and”. Proponents of the Oxford comma say it’s necessary for removing ambiguity in sentences.
Where do commas go when listing 3 things?
As mentioned above, when you are listing three or more items, commas should separate each element of the list . However, the final comma—the one that comes before the and—is optional. This comma is called the serial comma or the Oxford comma. Whether or not you use the serial comma is a style choice.
Where do commas go when Listing 4 things?
In a list of three or more elements, add a comma after each element except the last . In a list of three or more elements, add a comma after each element except the last.
Should I put a comma before the last item in a list?
The final comma in a list of items is known as an Oxford comma or serial comma. Some writers omit it, but doing so can cause confusion . In the example immediately above, the serial comma makes it clear that the writer is taking two separate economics courses next semester. Omitting the serial comma makes this unclear.
Do you put a comma before and in a list example?
To separate items in a list, e.g. buckets and spades, or lions and tigers and bears . A comma is used before an “and” only if it is used to separate two independent clauses, or if it is used as an Oxford comma to separate the last item in a list of three or more things.
