comma or period in list: Objectives 1. To improve..., 2....

T

Thinkpad

Senior Member
Thai
Do we have to use commas or full stops with listed phrases?

For example,

Objectives of the Project
1. To improve students' English
2. To build students' confidence

Do I need to add a comma and a full stop like this?

Objectives of the Project
1. To improve students' English,
2. To build students' confidence.

Or do I have to add full stops like this?

Objectives of the Project
1. To improve students' English.
2. To build students' confidence.

Thanks!!!
 
    • Since these are actually in outline form, rather than composed sentences, styles vary. I would personally use the first example, without the periods. (In the USA, we generally would refer to periods as the final punctuation, rather than full stops, which sounds like an old telegram.)

    The important thing is to follow the standard of the publisher, organization or whomever, and be consistent.
     
    I think that it really comes down to a matter of personal style and I think Majorbloodnock 'hit the nail on the head', as we say, when he said that the crucial thing is consistency. Different people/institutions/organisations have different styles. To give an example, which I have recently learnt, the UN requires that in its resolution, the preamble should list the issues which have motivated the resolution, with each clause ending with a comma, apart from the last which must end with a period. However, other people will have different styles.
     
    It is merely a stylistic choice. As long as you are consistent throughout the document, it shouldn't matter.

    Personally, I would use your first and third choices, depending on how I felt, and possibly on whether the list items made up complete sentences (i.e. with subject, verb, noun). I would never use your second choice.

    However, at work, my company's style guide stipulates that list must appear like this...

    Things to do on Monday:
    - Grind fresh New Zealand coffee beans;
    - Make vodka jelly shots; and
    - Prepare multi-million-dollar proposal.
     
    Au101 said:
    I think that it really comes down to a matter of personal style and I think Majorbloodnock 'hit the nail on the head', as we say, when he said that the crucial thing is consistency. Different people/institutions/organisations have different styles.
    Click to expand...


    Gosh, I sure wish I would have said that, :cool:
     
    Oh I'm so sorry Ceremoniar, I'd meant to cite you too, I guess I just got too caught-up trying to cite the UN, the only official source I have on this. Indeed, Ceremoniar has given good advice here, which has been seconded by many of us: it's really up to you, but make sure you are consistent. :)
     
    Au101 said:
    Oh I'm so sorry Ceremoniar, I'd meant to cite you too, I guess I just got too caught-up trying to cite the UN, the only official source I have on this. Indeed, Ceremoniar has given good advice here, which has been seconded by many of us: it's really up to you, but make sure you are consistent.
    Click to expand...
    :D :D :D
     
    Last edited:
    Thinkpad said:
    At least, I can conclude that it is awkward to put a period at the end of every item. :)
    Click to expand...
    No, you can't conclude that.

    As several people have written, it is a matter of personal style. There is no rule for punctuating lists. You should just ensure that you are consistent. I routinely use full stops as in:

    I would be grateful for a report covering the following points:
    1. The size of the box.
    2. Its colour.
    3. Your plan for delivering it to me.

    That is my style and, because it is a personal choice not bound by any rule of grammar, nobody can reasonably say that it is wrong.

    I hasten to add that, while I do ask for reports, they are never about boxes!
     
    A good link, Cyberpedant. I also agree with your putting the word "rules" in quotes.

    I think the fact items are in a list is a bit of a red herring. My belief is that any numbers or bullets should be able to be removed and still leave the text in a perfectly readable and properly punctuated state, which is why I tend to use some punctuation. However, since lists are obviously separating the individual items, a perfectly good case can be made for not needing any punctuation that would perform the same function. As far as I can see it, so long as you have used or omitted your punctuation intelligently, it cannot legitimately be criticised.
     
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