Lists

This section provides an overview of commonly used lists and how to create them.

See Punctuation and symbols for guidelines on using an asterisk for a footnote.
 

• Use the bulleted-list style for information that is not required or is in random order (as opposed to numbered lists, below).
• Begin bulleted statements with capital letters. 
• Use periods at the end of each sentence in a bulleted list. Use no punctuation at the end of a single word or single phrase. Do not use semicolons or commas.
• Use parallel construction for all lines in a bulleted list: Start with the same part of speech (noun, verb, etc.), use the same verb tense, and use all sentences or all single words or phrases. 
   

Examples:

• ✅ Do: Being an ASU Sun Devil means:
  • Helpfulness is your middle name.
  • Interdisciplinary studies excite you.
  • You have an inquiring mind.
• ✅ Do: Three concentration areas are available:
  • Educational linguistics
  • English as an international language
  • Indigenous language education
• ✅ Do: These ASU academic calendar changes take effect this spring:
  • Two 7 1/2-week sessions within the existing 15-week spring and fall semesters
  • Earlier start for the spring semester than in the past
  • Five-week summer sessions extended to six weeks

Examples:

• Do not use the lead statement to create a single sentence broken into bulleted statements. Example:
  
  🚫 Don't: 
•  
  • First-time college residents tend to
    • bring too many items from home,
    • forget the most important ones,
    • wish they had left some things, and
    • end up with similar items their roommates brought.

If a sentence fragment requires further explanation, use an asterisk at the end of the fragment to point to a footnote. 

See Punctuation and symbols for guidelines for adding additional notes and using asterisks. 
 

• Use the numbered-list style for information that is required or is in a specific order, such as step-by-step instructions, and arrange the lines in sequence.
• Begin numbered statements with capital letters. 
• Use periods at the end of each sentence in a numbered list. Use no punctuation at the end of a single word or single phrase. Do not use semicolons or commas.
• Use parallel construction for all lines in a numbered list: Start with the same part of speech (noun, verb, etc.), use the same verb tense, and use all sentences or all single words or phrases. 

Examples:

✅ Do: 
To be considered for admission, you must submit these items:

1. Online application
2. Required fees
3. Test scores
4. Transcripts

✅ Do: 
Follow these steps to get into your first choice of classes:

1. Submit your university application early.
2. Meet with an advisor.
3. Complete your course registration online.
4. Pay your fees by the deadline.