You want to format your work so that it can be easily and quickly understood. Lists can often help with clarity whether you’re trying to:
· compose a sentence in an email
· write a short article
· structure a report
When deciding how to format any text containing more than one sentence, you first need to consider whether or not it will require a list. A list can help with clarity and precision as it allows the reader to skim the text to understand the essential items.
Using a vertical list (see the bullet points above) is visually helpful as the list is separated and indented so it is easy to identify. A vertical list is usually introduced with a statement followed by a colon and then the numbered or bulleted list.
Sometimes you may prefer to maintain the flow of writing and use a horizontal list. You should still use a colon to introduce the list. e.g. We are going to need the following: a conference room, internet access, projector and whiteboard.
You don’t need a colon if the list is part of a complete sentence. e.g. Other areas worth considering include benefits, advertising and finance.
The semicolon is only necessary in lists which already have commas being used. The semicolon helps to avoid confusion about how the different components relate to each other. e.g. They pointed out, in support of their claim, that they had used the material stipulated in the contract; that they had taken every reasonable precaution, including some not mentioned in the code; and that they had employed only qualified workers.
So, in the example above the semicolons highlight the three actions taken while the commas link extra information to each of those three actions.