Usually, regardless of whether an introductory phrase is a complete sentence or a sentence fragment, place a colon after the introductory phrase. The colon clearly signals the beginning of a list and creates anticipation.
Note:
If the introductory phrase is a full-sentence statement, a colon is sometimes too emphatic. It’s OK to use a period then.
Yes:
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With DemoSoft, you can:
▪write texts ▪plan projects |
Yes:
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You can use DemoSoft to write several types of documents:
▪letters ▪reports ▪books |
If all list items are complete sentences, use sentence-style capitalization and punctuation. A list item is considered a complete sentence if, removed from the context of the list, it could stand on its own as a sentence.
Yes:
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To avoid loss of data:
▪Make a daily backup copy of all files. ▪Use the latest security software and update this software regularly. |
If all list items are sentence fragments:
▪Use lowercase for the initial word of each list item (except for names). Many style guides also suggest capitalizing the first word in this case. This is also OK. However, no matter which format you prefer, use it consistently throughout your whole document.
▪Don’t use periods, semicolons, or commas to end list items if these list items aren’t full sentences. Adding punctuation isn’t strictly wrong, but it adds unnecessary clutter. ▪Don’t use a period after the last list item. ▪Don’t use a period even if a list item completes the introductory clause of the list (not recommended).
If some list items are complete sentences and other list items in the same list are sentence fragments (not recommended):
▪Start each list item with a capital letter. ▪End each list item with a period. If essentially all list items are sentence fragments, but one or more of these fragments are followed by a complete sentence, use sentence-style capitalization and punctuation for all list items. As an alternative, you can also use semicolons.
Yes:
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With DemoSoft, you can:
▪Write texts. (You must have the extended text module installed to use advanced editing features.) ▪Plan projects. alternatively:
With DemoSoft, you can:
▪write texts; (you must have the extended text module installed to use advanced editing features) ▪plan projects |
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