vertical lists

A list set out with one item per line, marked by bullets or numbers.

A vertical list is usually introduced by a complete sentence ending in a colon. Capitalize the first word of each item. End an item with a period only when it is a complete sentence; a word or phrase takes no closing punctuation. Every item in a list takes the same grammatical form, so if one item begins with a verb, all of them do. Use numbers when the order or the count matters, as in steps, and bullets when it does not.

Examples

UseBring the following items:

Photo identification
Proof of address
A completed application

(Each item is a phrase, so none takes a period, and each begins with a capital letter.)

UseBefore you submit the form, complete these steps:

Check every date.
Sign the last page.
Attach your receipt.

(Each step is a complete sentence beginning with a verb, so each ends with a period, and the numbers show the order.)

AvoidYour duties include the following:

Answering phones
Schedule meetings
Customer greetings

(The items mix a gerund, a verb, and a noun phrase; make all three the same form, as in Answering phones, Scheduling meetings, Greeting customers.)