How to write a bullet list
Lists are a great way to split up long sentences or paragraphs and make your writing easier to read. Lists also make the layout of your document more interesting.
What is a bullet list?
The most common type of list is a bullet list. A bullet list is a series of items that are broken up into a heading (also called a lead-in sentence) and bullet points. Each bullet point starts with a dot or similar symbol.
How we write a bullet list is a style choice
The way that we present – specifically the way that we punctuate – a bullet list depends on the style we are using.
Most organisations have their own style guide or use a particular style manual. Style guides and manuals invariably include a section on lists. It’s important to follow your organisation’s style guide, so you write lists in your organisation’s preferred way.
If you are not using a style guide, you can make your own style choices. Create a list of these choices, so you can apply them consistently throughout your document.
Whatever rules you follow, make sure you follow them consistently.
There are four types of bullet list
Regardless of the style guide you are following, all bullet lists fall into one of four types. Make sure you use the correct type of list for your sentence.
Type 1: A stem and sentence fragments
This type of list has an incomplete lead-in sentence (the “stem”) and incomplete bullet items that flow from the stem (“sentence fragments”).
With this type of list, the stem and each bullet point could be written as a full sentence.
Example
On the clinic’s website you can:
- find out which services we offer
- make an appointment with one of our specialists
- check your account
- update your contact details.
How to punctuate this list
A common style to use to punctuate this type of list (the style used in the example and this sentence) is:
- a colon after the stem
- no capital letter at the start of each bullet point
- no punctuation at the end of each bullet point, apart from a full stop after the final bullet point to mark the end of the sentence.
You can check that this is the correct list to use for your content by seeing if the stem plus each bullet item makes a complete, grammatically correct sentence.
How to use this list with a question
You can use this type of list with a sentence that is a question, by replacing the final full stop with a question mark. Here’s an example.
Was your experience at our clinic:
- better than you expected
- the same as you expected
- worse than you expected?
Type 2: A full lead-in sentence and full sentences
This type of list starts with a complete sentence. Each bullet point is also a complete standalone sentence.
Example
When you turn 75 the process to renew your driver licence changes:
- Your new licence will be valid for only two to five years.
- The renewal fee will be lower, because the licence period is shorter.
- You will need to present a medical certificate each time you apply.
- You may need to sit an on-road safety test.
How to punctuate this list
This is a common style to use to punctuate this type of list (the style used in the example and this sentence):
- There is a colon after the lead-in sentence.
- Each bullet point starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop.
Type 3: A full lead-in sentence and sentence fragments
This type of list starts with a complete sentence, but each bullet point is a sentence fragment (it may be only one or two words).
With this type of list, the stem and each bullet point do not make full sentences.
Example
To apply for a home loan, you’ll need to provide several pieces of information:
- your reasons for needing the loan
- your current circumstances
- your income and expenditure.
How to punctuate this list
This is a common style to use to punctuate this type of list (the style used in the example and this sentence):
- a colon after the lead-in sentence
- no capital letter at the start of each bullet point
- no punctuation at the end of each bullet point, apart from a full stop after the final bullet point to mark the end of the sentence.
Type 4: A standalone list
This type of list starts with a sentence fragment, and each bullet point is also a sentence fragment.
Example
Equipment needed in the meeting room:
- Whiteboard
- Marker pens
- Flipchart paper
- Post-It notes
How to punctuate this list
A common style to use to punctuate this type of list (the style used in the example and this sentence) is:
- A colon after the lead-in sentence fragment
- A capital letter at the start of each bullet point
- No punctuation at the end of each bullet point
- No punctuation after the final bullet point
Tips for writing good bullet lists
Bullet lists are designed to present information clearly and efficiently. These tips will make sure your list does that:
- Write a clear, succinct lead-in sentence or stem that groups the bullet points together.
- Format each bullet point consistently (this includes the size of the indent).
- Use the same part of speech (for example, a noun or verb) at the start of each bullet point.
- Keep each bullet point short.
- Keep lists to between two and eight bullet points.
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