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Subject:Re: Introducing bulleted lists From:Marilynne Smith <mrsmith -at- CTS -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 14 Aug 1997 13:26:27 -0700
The rule I learned (from the Chicago Manual of Style) is not to insert a
colon between a verb and its object or a preposition and its object. In
the original example, the colon would be between a preposition and its
object. In the example given by Diane Williams, the colon follows the
object of the preposition and is correct.
Marilynne <yes, I know that a lot of people do it, but that doesn't mean I
break the rule>
====================================
At 03:18 PM 8/14/97 -0400, Williams, Diane (contractor) wrote:
>All of the style manuals I've consulted say to use a colon to precede
>either a run-in list or a bulleted only after an independent clause.
>
>Bring the following to camp:
>- canteen
>- alarm clock
>- sleeping bag
>
>(The above items are not followed by any punctuation.)
>
>You should always bring these items to camp: a canteen, an alarm clock,
>and a sleeping bag.
>
>If the items in your list complete the introductory clause, then you can
>either
>
>- leave the end of the introductory phrase blank.
>- use an em dash at the end of the introduction preceding the list.
>
>~~Diane
>
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---------------------------------------------------------------
Marilynne Smith
Writing, Editing, and Online Documentation
---------------------------------------------------------------
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