What is the correct punctuation for a list?
There are three punctuation marks involved in making a list in a sentence: the comma, colon, and semicolon. Which you use depends on how complex your list is. If you are writing a simple list, you can just insert a comma after each item.
What is a paragraph list?
Lists are often used to introduce a series of topics within one paragraph. Some style guides, such as Modern Language Association or MLA format, prefer lists to be presented in a paragraph rather than in bullet form.
What is listing in writing examples?
Example. “Like brainstorming, listing involves the unmonitored generation of words, phrases, and ideas. Listing offers another way of producing concepts and sources for further thought, exploration, and speculation.
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”).
What does a list do in English?
In composition, a list is a series of particular images, details, or facts. Also called a series, a catalog, an inventory, and (in classical rhetoric) enumeratio. Lists are often used in works of fiction and creative nonfiction (including essays) to evoke a sense of place or character.
How do you list things in a sentence examples?
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.
How do you write a list of names?
In listing people’s names and jobs you can use two strategies: 1 Like in the example: Name of job followed by the name. Don’t use a comma (,) between the job and the name. 2 Put the name first, followed by the job.
How do you write a list in legal writing?
In legal writing, colons are typically used to introduce list items. After all, law is a series of elemental lists. Where lawyers often go astray with colons, however, is failing to make the introductory clause a complete independent clause.
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.
What are 5 examples of compound sentences?
5 Examples of Compound Sentences
- I want to lose weight, yet I eat chocolate daily.
- Michael did not like to read. She was not very good at it.
- Dr. Mark said I could come to his office on Friday or Saturday of next week.
- My favorite sport is skiing. I am vacationing in Hawaii this winter.
How do you use semicolons in a list?
Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas. There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.
How do you use a semicolon in a list examples?
This time, the list items themselves contain commas. It is now appropriate to use semicolons as separators to outrank those commas. For example: I have been to Newcastle, Carlisle, and York in the North; Bristol, Exeter, and Portsmouth in the South; and Cromer, Norwich, and Lincoln in the East.
What does a semicolon mean in a list?
Semicolons can be used to separate parts of a sentence. They can also separate two main clauses or grouped items in a list. Semicolons can also help to simplify lists by showing which items are grouped together.
Do you use a colon or semicolon before a list?
Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list.
Is a colon used for 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.
How do you separate a list in a sentence?
Semicolons, colons, and dashes
- To help separate items in a list, when some of those items already contain commas. Let’s look at an example, as that is the easiest way to understand this use of the semicolon.
- To join two sentences. An independent clause is a group of words that can stand on its own (independently)—it is a complete sentence.
How do you use a colon example?
A colon instead of a semicolon may be used between independent clauses when the second sentence explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence. Example: He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion.
Examples:
- input data.
- write reports.
- complete tax forms.
David Nilsen is the former editor of Fourth & Sycamore. He is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. You can find more of his writing on his website at davidnilsenwriter.com and follow him on Twitter as @NilsenDavid.