The colon is used to introduce a list of items. The bookstore specializes in three subjects: art, architecture, and graphic design. Do not, however, use a colon when the listed items are incorporated into the flow of the sentence.
How do you punctuate the beginning of a list?
If you need a punctuation mark to introduce a list, the colon is the punctuation mark you need.
What is the symbol before a list?
The colon : is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots placed one above the other on the same vertical line. A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, or to introduce a quoted sentence.
What punctuation goes after a list?
a comma or no punctuation for lists that do not contain the main verb. a full stop after each sentence for lists that contain at least one item with multiple sentences. a semicolon otherwise.
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 . ... 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.
Do you put 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. It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list .
Do I use before a 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.
Is Hyphen a punctuation mark?
A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that’s used to join words or parts of words . It’s not interchangeable with other types of dashes. Use a hyphen in a compound modifier when the modifier comes before the word it’s modifying.
How do you format a list?
- Use a colon to introduce the list items only if a complete sentence precedes the list. ...
- Use both opening and closing parentheses on the list item numbers or letters: (a) item, (b) item, etc.
- Use either regular Arabic numbers or lowercase letters within the parentheses, but use them consistently.
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.
Can you mix commas and semicolons in a list?
It is usual to use commas to separate the items in a list. However, when the list items themselves contain commas, you can “outrank” those commas by using semicolons as the separators for your list items.
Can I use semicolons in a list?
Semicolons can be used to link items in a list , such as objects, locations, names and descriptions. Where the list items already contain commas, a semicolon helps avoid confusion between the items; in this way the semicolon acts like a ‘super comma’.
How do you write a list?
Simple Horizontal Lists
If you are listing simple items, as above, separate each item with a comma . You should use “and” or “or” just before the last item to indicate the conclusion of the list. “And” is inclusive and means all of the items mentioned apply, whereas “or” indicates that only one of the items is relevant.
How do you use semicolons to separate items in a list?
Use a semicolon to separate items in a list containing internal punctuation. Use a semicolon to join/separate closely related , complete sentences. The semicolon is stronger than a comma, but weaker than a period (full stop).
Do you put a comma after listing 3 things?
Commas should be used when three or more items in a series are listed . A comma should be placed between each of the three items (it is also acceptable to leave out the comma between the second-to-last item and the last item in the series). Items in the series may consist of a word, clause, or phrase.
Do you use a comma when listing three 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.
What is the comma rule in a list of 3 or more items?
Rule 1. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items . Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew. Note: When the last comma in a series comes before and or or (after daughter-in-law in the above example), it is known as the Oxford comma.
How do you make a list in APA format?
Begin the list with the italicized word “Keywords :”. Then, include a list of 3–10 words or phrases relevant to your paper topic; separate them with commas, and do not end with a period.
What is a hyphen example?
Use a hyphen to join two or more words that stand for a single adjective (describing word) before a noun. Examples: chocolate-covered donuts . well-known doctor .
How do you use a hyphen correctly?
- Use a hyphen at the end of a line to divide a word where there is not enough space for the whole word. ...
- Use a hyphen to indicate a word spelled out letter by letter. ...
- Use a hyphen to join two or more words to form compound adjectives that precede a noun. ...
- Use a hyphen to avoid awkward doubling of vowels.
How do you write a list in numbers?
Use parentheses around the numbers (no periods after the number, though) when using a run-in list: I have three items to discuss: (1) the first item; (2) the second item; and (3) the third item. Use semicolons to separate the items, whether they’re expressed as fragments or full sentences.
How can you make a numbered list?
- Select the text you want to format as a list.
- On the Home tab, click the drop-down arrow next to the Numbering command. A menu of numbering styles will appear.
- Move the mouse over the various numbering styles. ...
- The text will format as a numbered list.
What is the to do list?
They list everything that you have to do , with the most important tasks at the top of the list, and the least important tasks at the bottom. ... And by prioritizing tasks, you plan the order in which you’ll do them, so that you can tell what needs your immediate attention, and what you can leave until later.
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.
How do you list a list in a sentence?
To list items within a sentence, use lowercase letters in parentheses to identify each item . Use the correct punctuation— either commas or semi-colons— to separate the items in a list.
How do you use a colon in a list?
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 .
Can you use a semicolon before and?
It is generally considered acceptable to place a semicolon before and or but in order to break up a very long sentence, especially when there are already multiple commas/clauses.
