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 and end with periods. The introductory phrase or sentence does not determine capitalization or punctuation for the bulleted statements, nor does the corresponding bulleted content. Use parallel construction, beginning each bulleted line with the same part of speech (noun, verb, etc.).

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.
• The introductory phrase or sentence does not determine capitalization or punctuation for the numbered statements, nor does the corresponding numbered content. Instead, numbered statements begin with capital letters and end with periods, per AP style.
• Use parallel construction, beginning each numbered line with the same part of speech (noun, verb, etc).

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.