Only use vertical lists where they’re helpful. If the list items are short, or if the list isn’t particularly important, then an inline list will work fine.
Bulleted lists should be preferred over numbered lists unless (a) the sequence of the items needs to be highlighted or (b) you need to refer to individual list items later on.
When referring to list items later in the text, enclose the number in parentheses.
From (1), (2), and (3) it is apparent that…
If you add a category name, don’t use parentheses.
Methods 1, 2, and 3 all require…
When referencing nested items, like in legislation, the first number is not enclosed but each successive number is, with no spaces.
This does not apply to requirement 1(a)(ii).
Refer to section 12.50(f) of the Suchandsuch Act.
End the introductory statement with a colon.
Do not punctuate list items introduced by a complete sentence that ends in a colon (as above) if the items are single words or phrases that are not complete sentences.
Do punctuate list items as sentences if they are complete sentences.
Complete introductory sentence with short items
Adhere to the following requirements:
* the regulations
* the act
* the code of practice
Complete introductory sentence with full-sentence items
The company made the following commitments:
* The company will do this one thing monthly.
* The company will work with this other group on this other thing.
* The company will also do this other thing annually.
Do not end the introductory statement with any punctuation.
Punctuate the items exactly as you would if the list were inline, including commas or semicolons and a concluding conjunction (and or or).
Incomplete introductory sentence with simple items
Adhere to
* the regulations,
* the act, and
* the code of practice.
Incomplete introductory sentence with complex items
Adhere to
* the regulations;
* the act, its addenda, and its conditions; and
* the code of practice.
Sometimes a list is used to introduce several terms. These should always be introduced by a complete sentence, and each item should be punctuated the same. The term can be set in bold if helpful and would be followed by a colon, followed usually by a complete sentence.
The application will be assessed on the following criteria:
* Project scale: Projects larger than X are classified as...
* Location: Projects in this type of area are treated like this. Projects in this other area...
...