Punctuating Bulleted lists 1

[ttmac]

What is the correct way to punctuate a bulleted list?

Is it: -
· Terminating each point in the list with a semi-colon;
· Terminating each point in the list with a colon:
· Terminating each point in the list with a full-stop.
· Terminating each point in the list with a comma, or
· Something else entirely?

Should each bullet point start with a capital letter?

Thanks for your advice,

Tom.

 

[SantaMufasa]

The convention that we use in our Precision Writing courses (that we present) says the following about bulleted lists:

1) Ensure that the entries in the list are parallel in construction. For example, ensure that the bulleted entries begin with gerunds, or begin with nouns, or begin with infinitives, et cetera

2) If the phrase introducing the list, plus each bulleted item in the list results in complete sentences, then use the appropriate sentence-terminating punctuation. If no complete sentences result, then separate the list items with appropriate entry-separating punctuation. Entry-separating punctuation typically are commas, but if commas appear within the list items themselves, then separate with semi-colons.

Applying these guidelines to your original list would cause your list to appear in this fashion:

Is it: -
· Terminating each point in the list with a semi-colon?
· Terminating each point in the list with a colon?
· Terminating each point in the list with a full-stop?
· Terminating each point in the list with a comma?
· Using something else entirely?

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]

 

[ttmac]

Thanks Santa,

Apologies for not replying sooner.

Tom.