22 4.4 List Writing

which list should you use?

There are different types of lists that you can use. Below are some of the most common and when you might use them.

• List in a sentence. When you need to tell someone quickly about what you will talk about or share short related items that do not need to be remembered or referred to again, then a list within a sentence might work. For example, “This chapter covers lists within sentences, bullet point lists, and numbered lists.” Or “Last weekend we had a water balloon fight, camping trip, and cookout.”
• Bullet point list. When items need to be remembered, stand out, or referred back to, you want to use a bullet point list. For example, when you are cooking you will notice that the ingredients are often in a list. When you write a Resume, it helps the reader quickly see if you are qualified when your job responsibilities are in a list. Or if you are writing a sales flyer and want the traits of your product to stand out, you will want to use a bullet point list.
• Numbered list. A number list is used when there is a certain order to the items in your list. For example, steps in a process should always be numbered. Or, if you need someone to know the most important to least important items, you will want to use a numbered list.
• Nested Lists. These types of lists are used when the items on your list need more details or explanation. For example, an outline is a nested list.

formatting lists

There are specific guidelines that you should follow no matter the type of list you choose to use:

• Make your lists parallel. The length of each item in your list and the grammatical construction of your lists should always be parallel. We discuss this idea in detail in “4.3 Paraellism”.
• Use lists for two or more items. Generally, if you have only one item, you do not need to use a list. However, if you have two or more items, for example, questions to ask in an email to an instructor, then it is helpful if you use a list. When writing nested lists, remember there is never a 1 without a 2, a without b, or I without II. If you add another level to your list, you should always add at least two items to that level.
• Begin each item in your list the same. This idea is closely linked to parallelism. Notice each item in this list begins with a verb, make, use, and begin… Other lists all begin with nouns, pronouns, adjectives, etc. Whichever way you choose, make sure the whole list begins with the same type of word.
• Format each item the same. This idea applies to headings, which are a type of list, numbered lists, and bullet lists. Your font should be the same for every item in your list. Just imagine if this chapter used a different font, color, and size for every heading. It would be very confusing and hard to follow.
• Capitalize the first letter. You want your lists to look professional and one easy way to do that is to capitalize the first letter of the first word in a list.

example lists

Below are some examples of the lists we covered: