Bulleted Lists
We use bullet points when the order does not matter.
There are two types:
Single-sentence lists
- Start with a sentence that introduces the list
- Each point starts with a lowercase letter
- Only the last point ends with a full stop
- Use and or or before the last item
- Make sure each point makes sense with the first sentence
Multi-sentence lists
- Start with a full sentence
- Each point is a full sentence (1 to 3 sentences long)
- Each point starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop
Numbered Lists
We use numbers when the steps must be done in order.
Example:
- First, do this.
- Then, do this next.
- Finally, finish with this.
Tips for Complex Lists
If the list has extra details or is hard to follow, we have three ways to make it clearer:
1. Use en dashes (–)
Use dashes to separate extra details in a list.
Example:
- Doctor’s fees – keep the receipt showing the date, cost and reason
- Travel – keep your ticket or receipt
- Prescriptions – ask your chemist for a print-out or keep your receipts
2. Use a multi-sentence list
Turn each point into a full sentence.
Example:
- For doctor’s fees, keep the receipt showing the date, cost and reason.
- For travel, keep your ticket or receipt. If you drove, include your car’s cc rating and distance.
- For prescriptions, ask your chemist for a print-out or keep your receipts.
3. Use headings and sub-headings
Split the list into sections with clear titles. Here are some examples.
Doctor’s fees
Keep the receipt showing the date, cost and reason.
Travel
Keep your ticket or receipt. If you drove, include your car’s cc rating and distance.
Prescriptions
You can:
- Ask your chemist for a print-out
- Keep your own receipts