Lists¶
Lists are used to organize information with a common subject or in a particular sequence.
Rules¶
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Each list has an introductory sentence/paragraph. The introductory sentence can be either a complete sentence or a partial sentence. End the introductory sentence with a colon.
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Align the grammatical structure of every item in a list. For example, start each item with a noun or a verb. Avoid using an article.
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Make lists 2-7 items long. Transform shorter lists into paragraphs. Split too-long lists into several lists.
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A multilevel list may not have more than two levels of nesting. The shortest sub-list is allowed to consist of two items at least.
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A multilevel list should be balanced where each list item has a similar number of sub-items.
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Avoid inline lists unless you enumerate simple known facts. Inline lists should not contain more than five items.
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Use sentence punctuation if every item in a list is a sentence.
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Do not use any punctuation, such as commas or semicolons, if list items are not sentences.
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Use numbered lists if the order of items matters.
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Use bullet lists if the order of items does not matter.
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Use numbered lists if in doubt.
Created: June 26, 2023