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Lists

Lists help users scan content to find what they need. They emphasize content and create visual appeal. But do not overwhelm a page with too many lists.

How to format content that introduces a list

  • Separate the sentence or clause above the list from the sentences that come before it.
  • Do not use visual cues like below. Directional language excludes users with visual impairments.
  • Introduce the list with a short sentence or phrase and end it with a colon.

How to format the list itself

  • Number list items that need to be in order (steps to follow) or to identify them (for example, Tip #2).
  • Use bullets when order does not matter.
  • Keep the list between 2-8 items. (One item is not a list.)
  • Do not format the list as a table.

How to format list items

  • Capitalize the first word.
  • Begin with an action verb for phrases or sentences.
  • Do not start with the same word or phrase, whenever possible.
  • Follow the same grammatical structure—all nouns, all sentences, all clauses—for each item.
  • Keep text short and avoid more than one sentence (if you format as sentences).
  • End sentences with a period, but never use commas or semi-colons at the end of an item.
  • Leave out conjunctions (for example, or or and) after the second-to-last item.

Examples

Rule(s)Do thisDo not do this

Capitalize the first word of each list item.

Do not use semicolons.

Leave  out conjunctions after the second-to-last item.

We offer trainings in web writing.

These trainings:

  • Introduce you to plain language, including using Readable
  • Explain the importance of 508 compliance
  • Encourage you to think of your user when drafting materials

We offer training in web writing.

These trainings:

  • introduce you to plain language, including using Readable;
  • explain the importance of 508; and
  • encourage you to think of your user when drafting materials.

End the sentence preceding the list with a colon.

Number lists if a user must follow steps in a particular order. (Example 1)

Follow these five tips for a healthy lifestyle:

  • Get regular checkups.
  • Exercise at least 150 minutes a week.
  • Quit tobacco and limit alcohol.
  • Eat healthy, fiber-rich foods.
  • Sleep 7 – 8 hours every night.

Follow these five tips for a healthy lifestyle.

  1. Get regular checkups.
  2. Exercise at least 150 minutes a week.
  3. Quit tobacco and limit alcohol.
  4. Eat healthy, fiber-rich foods.
  5. Sleep 7 – 8 hours every night.
Number lists if a user must follow steps in a particular order. (Example 2)

There are five steps in the writing process:

  1. Prewrite
  2. Plan & outline
  3. Write first draft
  4. Revise
  5. Edit & proofread

There are five steps in the writing process:

  • Prewrite
  • Plan & outline
  • Write first draft
  • Revise
  • Edit & proofread
Start each list item with a different word, if possible.

Prepare to paint:

  • Select a canvas
  • Purchase paintbrushes
  • Buy paint
  • Choose paint colors
  • Mix to create new colors
  • Pick a design

Prepare to paint:

  • Buy a canvas
  • Buy paintbrushes
  • Choose paint colors
  • Mix to create new colors
  • Choose a design
Follow the same grammatical structure.

When you go hiking, you:

  • Enjoy a picnic.
  • Climb the hill all the way to the ridge and back.
  • Walk in groups.

When you go hiking, you:

  • Picnic
  • You climb the hill all the way to the ridge and back.
  • Walking in groups

A list of linked resources needs to include a heading (for example, Fact Sheets) or introductory text to provide context.

  • Match the link label to the title of the linked item.
  • If the page or item you link to does not describe the content, create meaningful link text.
  • Order links to publications or webpages alphabetically unless it makes more sense to order chronologically.

Example:

Guidance & Policies

Want to know how to style linked text? Go to Links.

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