Punctuating Bulleted Lists

If a bullet item is a complete sentence in itself (i.e., it doesn’t complete a sentence begun by the introductory text), it ends with a period. If one bullet item is a complete sentence, then all of the bullet items should be (i.e., sentences and non-sentences shouldn’t be mixed within one bulleted list). For example:

 Students should adhere to several guidelines.

·    Always use 1-inch margins.

·    Use bold and italicized text sparingly.

·    Run the spell check before sending out the document.

If an entire bullet list forms a complete sentence together with the introductory text, AND if it contains items that have internal commas, the bullet items are separated by semicolons. The last item, which completes the sentence, ends in a period. For example:

Students should be careful to:

·    Apply rules of grammar, mechanics, and punctuation;

·    Check their spelling; and

·    Present their work in an attractive format.

If an entire bullet list forms a complete sentence together with the introductory text, BUT the items do not contain internal commas, the bullet items are separated by commas. The last item, which completes the sentence, ends in a period. For example:

Before the test, students should:

·    Sharpen their pencils,

·    Straighten their books, and

·    Make sure to write their names on their papers.

Filed under: Bulleted Lists