Lists are a fundamental part of written communication. They can be used to organize information, make it easier to read, and present complex data in a clear and concise way. However, there are certain rules that govern when to period a list, and breaking these rules can make your writing look sloppy and unprofessional.
General Rules for Period-ing Lists
As a general rule, you should period a list if it is:
- Punctuated internally. If the items in your list are punctuated with commas, semicolons, or colons, then the entire list should be punctuated with a period.
- Complete. If your list is a complete sentence, then it should be punctuated with a period.
- Standalone. If your list is not part of a larger sentence, then it should be punctuated with a period.
When Not to Period a List
There are a few exceptions to the general rule of period-ing lists. You should not period a list if it is:
- Part of a sentence. If your list is part of a larger sentence, then it should not be punctuated with a period. Instead, the period should come at the end of the entire sentence.
- Abbreviated. If your list is abbreviated, then it should not be punctuated with a period. Instead, the abbreviation should be followed by a period.
- Followed by a colon. If your list is followed by a colon, then it should not be punctuated with a period. Instead, the colon should be followed by a period.
Special Cases
There are a few special cases where you may need to period a list even if it does not meet the general rules. For example, you may need to period a list if it is:
- At the end of a bulleted or numbered list. In this case, the period is used to separate the list from the rest of the text.
- At the beginning of a new paragraph. In this case, the period is used to indicate that the list is a new topic.
- At the end of a quotation. In this case, the period is used to indicate that the quotation is complete.
Benefits of Period-ing Lists Correctly
Period-ing lists correctly has a number of benefits, including:
- Clarity: Properly punctuated lists are easier to read and understand.
- Professionalism: Using correct punctuation shows that you take your writing seriously and that you are familiar with the conventions of written English.
- Consistency: Following the same punctuation rules throughout your writing makes it more consistent and easier to read.
Tips for Period-ing Lists Correctly
Here are a few tips for period-ing lists correctly:
- Use a comma after each item in the list. This will help to separate the items and make the list easier to read.
- Use a period at the end of the list. This will indicate that the list is complete.
- If the list is part of a sentence, do not period the list. Instead, the period should come at the end of the entire sentence.
- If the list is abbreviated, do not period the list. Instead, the abbreviation should be followed by a period.
- If the list is followed by a colon, do not period the list. Instead, the colon should be followed by a period.
Conclusion
Period-ing lists correctly is an important part of written communication. By following the rules and tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your lists are clear, professional, and consistent.
Table 1: List Period-ing Rules
| List Type | Punctuation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Complete sentence | Period after each item and at the end of the list | The items in this list are: apples, oranges, and bananas. |
| Incomplete sentence | No period after each item | The items in this list are: apples, oranges, and bananas. |
| Part of a sentence | No period after each item or at the end of the list | The following items are needed for the project: apples, oranges, and bananas. |
| Abbreviated | No period after each item | The following items are needed for the project: apples, oranges, bananas, etc. |
| Followed by a colon | No period after each item | The following items are needed for the project: apples, oranges, bananas: |
Table 2: Benefits of Period-ing Lists Correctly
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Clarity | Properly punctuated lists are easier to read and understand. |
| Professionalism | Using correct punctuation shows that you take your writing seriously and that you are familiar with the conventions of written English. |
| Consistency | Following the same punctuation rules throughout your writing makes it more consistent and easier to read. |
Table 3: Tips for Period-ing Lists Correctly
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use a comma after each item in the list | This will help to separate the items and make the list easier to read. |
| Use a period at the end of the list | This will indicate that the list is complete. |
| If the list is part of a sentence, do not period the list | Instead, the period should come at the end of the entire sentence. |
| If the list is abbreviated, do not period the list | Instead, the abbreviation should be followed by a period. |
| If the list is followed by a colon, do not period the list | Instead, the colon should be followed by a period. |
Table 4: Special Cases for Period-ing Lists
| Case | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| At the end of a bulleted or numbered list | The period is used to separate the list from the rest of the text. | The following is a list of items: |
| * Apples | ||
| * Oranges | ||
| * Bananas | ||
| At the beginning of a new paragraph | The period is used to indicate that the list is a new topic. | |
| The following is a list of items: | ||
| * Apples | ||
| * Oranges | ||
| * Bananas. | ||
| This list is about the fruits that are available in the store. | ||
| At the end of a quotation | The period is used to indicate that the quotation is complete. | |
| The following is a quotation from the book: | ||
| “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” |