Rule 1: Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is do not apply or are not appropriate. Examples: You may be required to bring many items: sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
What is it called when you list things in a sentence?
In English grammar, a series is a list of three or more items (words, phrases, or clauses), usually arranged in parallel form. Also known as a list or catalog. The items in a series are usually separated by commas (or semicolons if the items themselves contain commas).
How do you write a sentence when you are listing?
If your list items are simple noun phrases or sentence fragments, do not use end punctuation — no periods, no commas, no semicolons. If your list items are complete sentences , then you can grammatically end them with a period as a stylistic choice.
How do you list more than 3 things in a sentence?
An Oxford Comma is a comma used before the last list item in a list of three or more items. When there are three or more list items, then those following “US convention” should use a comma (often called an Oxford Comma) with the conjunction (usually “and” or “or”).
Do you use a colon when listing things?
It is therefore correct to use a colon before the list . ... 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.
What are () called in English?
They can also be used in mathematical expressions. For example, 2{1+[23-3]}=x. Parentheses ( () ) are curved notations used to contain further thoughts or qualifying remarks. However, parentheses can be replaced by commas without changing the meaning in most cases.
How do you list things in grammar?
- 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 list long sentences?
- If any item in a list or series has an internal comma, semicolons can be used to divide the items: ...
- Similarly, semicolons can be used to separate coordinate clauses in long sentences. ...
- Semicolons can be used to coordinate independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction.
What is a list format?
A list style is a style that contains various levels of formatting . When you apply a list style the formatting that is applied depends on its level. The level of a paragraph is determined by the value of the left indent.
What punctuation goes before a list?
Colons with Lists. Use a colon before a list when the list is preceded by a complete independent clause. Never use a colon to separate a preposition from its objects or a verb from its complements. Some form of the word follow usually indicates a colon before the list.
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.
How many things can you list in one sentence?
1 Answer. There is no limit to the number of things you can list in a single sentence in English, or in French, or in Belorussian, or in Japanese, or in Arabic, or in Nahuatl, or in Malayalam, or indeed in any language, dialect, idiolect, slang or jargon, natural or constructed, living or dead.
How many things can you list in a sentence?
Typically, in-sentence lists have 2-4 items . Generally avoid putting more than 4 items in this kind of list (unless they are very short), or your sentence might become difficult to read.
What is a colon example?
A colon can be used to introduce a list. ... For example, “Here’s a list of groceries I need: a loaf of bread, a quart of milk, and a stick of butter .” The words preceding the colon stand as a complete, grammatically correct sentence.
What are the rules for semicolons?
Use a semi-colon in place of the comma and conjunction to separate the two independent clauses in a compound sentence . Example: I like working outside; I also enjoy reading. 2. Use a semi-colon before the conjunctive adverb (such as however and therefore) that joins two independent clauses.
What is a colon in grammar?
Colons are punctuation marks used to signal when what comes next is directly related to the previous sentence . They are used after complete sentences. It is especially important to remember that a colon is not used after a sentence fragment.
