Use a numbered or bulleted list when each element forms a separate paragraph or sentence. Capitalize the first word of each paragraph or sentence and end it with the correct punctuation. Decide whether using a numbered list may inadvertently imply to the reader a ranking or prioritization of the elements and whether a bulleted list may be more appropriate.
Label three or more elements that are grouped within a single paragraph or sentence by preceding each item with a lowercase letter in parentheses. Capitalize the first word of the paragraph or sentence but begin the element with lowercase letters. Place a comma immediately after each element and end the sentence or paragraph with a period. As an example, when listing the items provided to children during a study, the sentence would read as follows: The children were given the option of (a) building with color blocks, (b) coloring their favorite book, or (c) painting with their fingers.
Follow the same guidelines as in step two when listing three or more individual elements that contain their own punctuation except use a semi-colon and not a comma immediately after each element. As an example, list the elements within the sentence as follows: Children selected one of three activities: (a) colored blocks, wooden or plastic; (b) coloring books, with or without words; or (c) hand painting, with paper or clay pots.