Should You Use Semicolons In A Bulleted List?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Use a period or other full stop after every bullet that is a sentence. ... 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.

Should you punctuate a bulleted list?

Here is what I recommend: Use a period (full stop) after every bullet point that is a sentence (as these bullets do). ... Use no punctuation after bullets that are not sentences and do not complete the stem. Use all sentences or all fragments, not a mixture.

Should you use semicolons in lists?

Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas . ... Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction if the clauses are already punctuated with commas or if the clauses are lengthy.

What is the most appropriate use for a bulleted list?

Sometimes the best way to present information is in a bulleted list. Bulleted lists attract attention, support scanning, shorten text, and reveal the relationship of items . The Web is usually not the place for long, narrative writing.

What punctuation do you use in a bulleted list?

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

How do you introduce a bulleted list?

  1. Introduce the list with a lead-in phrase or clause (the lead-in need not be a complete sentence; the list items can complete the grammar started by the lead-in). ...
  2. Use bulleted lists when the list items are in no necessary order but you want to emphasize the items in the list.

What is a bullet point examples?

Bullets are most commonly used in the English language to highlight key points in a vertical list. Bullets are used in place of numbers when the order of the items in the list is not important. ... Other common bullet choices include squares (filled and open) , diamonds, dashes and checkmarks.

Where do you put semicolons?

Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.

Do bullet points need periods in a resume?

Skip the periods .

Remember: Bullet points are often fragments rather than complete sentences. But if you choose to use a period for one phrase, use one for every bullet to maintain consistency and make your resume look more uniform and professional.

Do you capitalize bullet points after a colon?

A colon should be used to introduce the list, and the first letter of each point should be capitalised . For example: Departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Department of Chemistry.

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.

Can I use semicolons to separate items in a list?

There are two essential ways to use a semicolon. The first is relatively straightforward and separates a list of items in a sentence; the second separates independent clauses, while connecting them as related ideas. Semicolons can be used to link items in a list , such as objects, locations, names and descriptions.

When should a semicolon be used examples?

When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses , you should use a semicolon. Some common conjunctive adverbs include moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently. I needed to go for a walk and get some fresh air; also, I needed to buy milk.

Which list is a bulleted list?

To draw visual attention to items in a list without implying that items go in a certain order (e.g., chronology, importance, priority), use a bulleted list. Use a numbered list if you want to display items in a numbered series.

How do you make a bulleted list look good?

  1. Use some light background colour to make them appear equal in size to the eye.
  2. Spread them out big over the entire page.
  3. Use as little words as you can, but use enough words not to sound generic.

What size should bullet points be?

Avoid making bullet points so long that they look like paragraphs. Three lines is a reasonable maximum length . Number bullet points when you have many–more than five or so. That way your readers can easily track the bullets and refer to them.

David Martineau
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David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.