Punctuation Rules for Lists Flashcards

Punctuation and Spacing of Lists

• Use a colon to separate a lead-in stem from listed items if the stem is a complete sentence, but avoid separating a preposition or verb from its objects.
• In legal writing, a colon should follow the lead-in stem of a vertical list even if it's not a complete sentence.
• Each item in a vertical list should be capitalized to maintain consistency and clarity.
• If inserting distinguishing markers in front of items in an embedded list, do not use a colon unless the lead-in is a complete sentence.
• Distinguishing markers should be closed off with parentheses: (a), (b), (c), etc.
• An embedded list is defined as a list included within the structure of a sentence.
• Colons are used to separate items in a list when the lead-in is a complete sentence; avoid colons between verbs and their objects or prepositions.
• Commas are necessary to separate simple items in an embedded list.
• Semicolons should be used for more complex items that contain internal punctuation in embedded lists.
• Always use semicolons to separate items in a tabulated list, regardless of complexity.
• Include a comma or semicolon at the end of a series of items for clarity, e.g., "; and..." or ", and...".
• Avoid using embedded lists when list items are multi-sentence entries that end with periods; opt for a tabulated list instead.
• In tabulated lists, follow each complete sentence with a semicolon and place a period after the last item.
• Tabulated lists visually separate information, aiding comprehensibility and linearity of complex data.
• Maintain proper spacing in tabulated lists: double space between the lead-in stem and the first item, align wrap-around items under the first word, and don’t space between listed items unless necessary.
• Indent items listed on the left but not on the right for clarity in formatting.
• Always check and comply with court rules for formatting lists and punctuation.