Semicolon in Numbered or Lettered Enumerations
The Semicolon
Rulebase Summary
Use a semicolon after each item in a numbered or lettered series when the items are long phrases or clauses. Enumerations can be introduced by numbers (1), (2), (3) or letters (a), (b), (c), or written out as words (first, second, third). If the enumerated items are short and contain no internal commas, commas may be used instead of semicolons. When enumerations are written as words, place a comma after the word and a semicolon between items.
Examples
THE COURT: The elements are (1) the defendant owed a duty of care, (2) the defendant breached that duty, (3) the breach caused the plaintiff's injuries.
THE COURT: The elements are (1) the defendant owed a duty of care; (2) the defendant breached that duty; (3) the breach caused the plaintiff's injuries.
Semicolons after each numbered item in a formal enumeration.
A. I was responsible for, first, screening all incoming calls, second, logging each message, third, forwarding urgent matters to the partner.
A. I was responsible for, first, screening all incoming calls; second, logging each message; third, forwarding urgent matters to the partner.
Spelled-out enumerations separated by semicolons.
Style Guide References (5)
Morson's
Morson's
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP