Writing Mechanics: Punctuation   embedded lists vertical lists
introductory clauses quotations
Punctuating Vertical Lists

 The items in a vertical list may be preceded by sequential numbers or bullets, or they may stand alone. Depending on their grammatical structure, the items are followed by periods, semicolons, commas, or no punctuation at all. The Chicago Manual of Style offers the following simple rules:

1. Omit periods after items in a vertical list unless one or more of the items are complete sentences.

2. If the vertical list completes a sentence begun in an introductory element, the final period is also omitted unless the items in the list are separated by commas or [semi] colons.


For example:


Rule 1: The following minerals are included in this daily supplement:

      niacin
      iron
      potassium
      calcium
      phosphorus

Rule 2: After six months of deliberation, the committee decided

1. that the proposed research did not pose a serious health hazard to the surrounding community
2.  that the potential benefits of the research significantly outweighed the potential risks; and
3.  that the research should be allowed to proceed without further delay.