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Q&A When should I use punctuation with bullets?

There are a number of ways I've seen this done. For single word items, I suggest either use no punctuation, or use semi-colons, with a period for the last item. For example: Apples; Pears; Orang...

posted 13y ago by Craig Sefton‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

Answer
#3: Attribution notice added by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-08T01:29:50Z (almost 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/2406
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision by user avatar Craig Sefton‭ · 2019-12-08T01:29:50Z (almost 5 years ago)
There are a number of ways I've seen this done.

For single word items, I suggest either use no punctuation, or use semi-colons, with a period for the last item. For example:

- Apples;
- Pears;
- Oranges.

You could use the same type of structure for sentences as well:

- I am happy;
- She was happy;
- He is happy still.

Alternatively, use full punctuation for single sentences.

Likewise, if each bullet is more than just one sentence, then I would follow full punctuation rules, since it's quite clear that I'm using bullet points for a very complicated list of items.

Having said that, however, as Lauren says, it's best to ask for the house rules first. And the number one rule is: be consistent in whatever you choose.

**Edit:** I found this article which you may find helpful: [http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/formatting-vertical-lists.aspx](http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/formatting-vertical-lists.aspx)

Most of the article is based on a book called the "Chicago Manual of Style". I won't duplicate what is written there, but it is extremely comprehensive. Also, it's worth pointing out that, while the writer doesn't like the usage of semi-colons, in a footnote she says, 'commas are optional in some lists and allows the conjunction _and_ after the penultimate list item if you are using semicolons at the end of each list item and closing the last item with terminal punctuation'.

#1: Imported from external source by user avatar System‭ · 2011-04-05T19:47:52Z (over 13 years ago)
Original score: 7