LibAnswers

To create a bulleted or numbered list, use the bullet or number function in the program you are using.  This will automatically indent your list. Use a bulleted list when the items in your list don't need to go in any particular order.  Use a numbered list when you are using complete sentences or paragraphs that must be in a particular order.  Double-space both bulleted and numbered lists.

If you are using complete sentences in your list, capitalize the first word of each and punctuate with a period at the end.

Example - bulleted list with complete sentences

There are many things you can do to maintain physical and mental health during the pandemic:

• Do some form of exercise everyday.

• Eat a healthy diet including lots of fruits and vegetables.

• Keep in touch with loved ones through phone calls or social media.

• Start a new hobby.

• Learn something new through an online course, educational video, podcast or book.

If you are using only words or phrases, do not capitalize the first word.  You can choose one of two ways to punctuate the end of each item in a list of single words or phrases:

1. no punctuation at the end of each list item (works well for shorter, simpler items); or

2. a semi-colon at the end of each list item except the last one which ends in a period; in the second-to-last item, add the word  "and" following the semi-colon  (works well for longer or more complex items).

Example option 1 - bulleted list with single words or phrases and no end punctuation

You can keep fit during the pandemic by:

• going for a walk or a jog

• working in your garden

• doing a cardio workout on youtube

• taking dance classes online

• stretching and relaxing with yoga

• lifting weights to strengthen your muscles and bones

Example option 2 - bulleted list with single words or phrases with end punctuation

These are some of the complications of type-2 diabetes:

• cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attacks, strokes and atherosclerosis;

• damage to eyes, which can lead to glaucoma, cataracts and blindness;

• kidney damage, that can cause kidney failure and require dialysis treatment or kidney transplant; 

• Alzheimer's disease, which causes cognitive impairment, behaviour changes, immobility and death;

• slow healing, in which small open wounds can lead to serious infections sometimes requiring amputation of a limb; and 

• nerve damage, which can cause numbness, tingling, and severe pain.

For numbered lists, you must use complete sentences or paragraphs.

Example:  numbered list

Our poll of Canadians revealed the most popular Canadian vacation destinations by province:

1. With its popular cities of Toronto and Ottawa and its many beautiful lakes, 31 percent of Canadians polled chose Ontario as their top Canadian vacation destination.

2. Quebec’s old world charm and many historical attractions made it the second most popular destination at 23 percent.

3. The Rocky Mountains, Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology and outdoor adventure tours of Alberta attracted 13 percent of the vote and made it the third most popular vacation spot.

4. British Columbia with its ancient rain forest and beautiful ocean side city of Vancouver came fourth with 12 percent of Canadians choosing it as their top Canadian holiday destination.

5. The remaining provinces and territories rounded out the field, attracting a total of 21 percent of the vote.

For more information and examples, please see the APA Style blog.