You want to add white space to your document to enhance readability.īullet list items should generally be short (a word or a phrase).You can place the items in any order (no particular order is required).You want to emphasize two or more items.Nested Lists: use when listed items have sub-lists (list within a list).īullet lists are the most commonly used kind of list.Labelled Lists: use when the listed items require some explanation or amplification (like this one).In-sentence Lists: use when you want to maintain sentence structure and paragraphing, and have a short list (2-4 items).Numbered Lists: use when order is important, such as steps in instructions.Bullet Lists: use when order of listed items is not important.This section will describe when and how to use the following five commonly used types of lists: Just as bar graphs serve a different purpose than pie charts, different kinds of lists also serve different purposes. Especially when writing documents collaboratively that will need extensive revision and editing, you must make sure to use the correct formatting tools. NOTE: If you are making lists by hitting ENTER then TAB and then a dash, you are doing it wrong, and this will make future editing and maintaining readability very difficult if not impossible. Figure 3.3.1 Screenshot of Paragraph tools in Word 2010 you can auto-create lists using the top left buttons. Learning to use the Paragraph formatting tool in Word (see Figure 3.3.1) is crucial to designing effective lists. All lists must conform to a set of rules of construction and formatting. Never use a heading to introduce a list.Įach kind of list is suited for specific purposes.Use parallel phrasing for each listed item (note that each item in this list starts with a verb that is bolded only to catch your attention, not as a style you must follow).Capitalize the first letter of each list item. Avoid having a list of information all scrunched up into a dense block of text this defeats the purpose of enhancing readability. Adjust spacing before, after, and within lists to enhance readability.A series of lists does not give a reader adequate information and context. A list should always have explanatory text around it to indicate what this is a list of and why it is needed.
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