Questions and Answers
How should a lead-in stem be separated from listed items?
When should a colon be used to separate the list in your sentence?
When the lead-in stem is a complete sentence.
What are distinguishing markers used for in lists within sentences?
To clearly identify each listed item.
What is an embedded list?
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You should use commas in embedded lists.
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Semicolons should be used always in tabulated lists.
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What is the spacing rule for a tabulated list?
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Don't use an embedded list when the list items contain _____ sentences ending in periods.
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What should you always adhere to when creating lists?
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What are the advantages of tabulated lists?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the punctuation and spacing rules for embedding lists in writing. It covers the use of colons and the grammatical structure that guides the proper punctuation between lead-in stems and listed items.
