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Lists, Bulleted lists

AP uses dashes instead of bullets to introduce individual sections of a list in news stories, but may use bullets in other formats. Put a space between the dash or bullet and the first word of each item in the list. Capitalize the first word following the dash or bullet.

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 in each section of a list. Do not use semicolons.

    Use parallel construction for each item in a list:

  • Start with the same part of speech for each item (in this example, a verb).
  • Use the same voice (active or passive) for each item.
  • Use the same verb tense for each item.
  • Use the same sentence type (statement, question, exclamation) for each item.
  • Use just a phrase for each item, if desired.

    Examples of phrases with no punctuation at the end:

  • Cat videos
  • Home improvement shows
  • Word puzzles

Introduce the list with a short phrase or sentence: Our partners: or These are our partners: or Our partners are: