How Do You Punctuate A List In A List?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  1. a comma or no punctuation for lists that do not contain the main verb.
  2. a full stop after each sentence for lists that contain at least one item with multiple sentences.
  3. a semicolon otherwise.

How do you write a list in a sentence?

The easiest way to make a list into a sentence is

to add a subject and verb at the beginning

. Remember that the structure should stay parallel. Also, remember to use commas between the items in the list, unless it would be confusing, in which case, you need to use semi-colons.

Is there a comma before and in a list?

There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses

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 separate a list in a sentence?

  1. To help separate items in a list, when some of those items already contain commas. Let’s look at an example, as that is the easiest way to understand this use of the semicolon. …
  2. To join two sentences.

Where do commas go in a list?

When making a list, commas are

the most common way to separate one list item from the next

. The final two items in the list are usually separated by “and” or “or”, which should be preceeded by a comma. Amongst editors this final comma in a list is known as the “Oxford Comma”.

Where do you put commas in a list?

When making a list, commas are

the most common way to separate one list item from the next

. The final two items in the list are usually separated by “and” or “or”, which should be preceeded by a comma.

How do you punctuate a list of bullet points?

  1. Use a period (full stop) after every bullet point that is a sentence (as these bullets do).
  2. Use a period after every bullet point that completes the introductory stem.
  3. Use no punctuation after bullets that are not sentences and do not complete the stem.

How do you use a semicolon in a list examples?

It is now appropriate to use semicolons as separators to outrank those commas. For example: I have been to

Newcastle, Carlisle, and York in the North

; Bristol, Exeter, and Portsmouth in the South; and Cromer, Norwich, and Lincoln in the East.

What is the correct punctuation for a list?

There are three punctuation marks involved in making a list in a sentence: the

comma, colon, and semicolon

. Which you use depends on how complex your list is. If you are writing a simple list, you can just insert a comma after each item.

Can you use a colon for a list of two things?

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. You need to grab these three things for the laundry: laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets.

How do you end a semicolon in a list?

“If you

begin each item with a lowercase letter, put a semicolon at the end of each item, use and after the next-to-last item, and put a period after the last item

.” Garner calls this “vertical lists punctuated as a sentence.” This is where the semicolon confusion comes in.

How do you punctuate a list after a colon?

When listing items one by one,

one per line

, following a colon, capitalization and ending punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases preceded by letters, numbers, or bullet points. If each point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end the sentence with appropriate ending punctuation.

Do you need a comma after the last item in a list?


Do not place a comma after the last item in the list

(see fourth example below) unless the structure of the sentence otherwise requires it (see third example below, in which the comma after audience is required to separate an introductory dependent clause from the main clause).

What are some examples of semicolons?

Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not.

The cat slept through the storm

; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.

Do you use a comma to separate items in a series?

COMMA RULE #1 – THE COMMA IN A SERIES:

Use commas to separate items in a series

. What is a ”series”? A “series” is a list of 3 or more items, the last two of which are joined by and, or, or nor.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.