![]() ![]() If this section of bullet points overall looks like paragraphs of text (e.g. The writer and/or editor will need to make a judgement call. Some lists may be easier to follow if they contain full stops even though they consist of only one sentence in most points. In the case of captions, block quotes, pull quotes, boxes, glossaries and appendices, they should have full stops even if they only consist of one sentence. Do this even if made up of bullets or cells of one sentence only. If any given section of non-paragraph text would look strange without full stops, include them. It is not inconsistent to do this because the rule is to only use a full stop when there is more than one sentence. a single sentence inside a single table cell). It would be acceptable not to add a full stop on any non-paragraph text (e.g. In the same table, you might see other pieces of text without any periods because they are not in full sentences or because there is only one sentence. The first sentence has a full stop, so the second one should as well. However, you might like to add a full stop at the end of a table cell that contains two sentences. in the instructions or ingredients list). You would not normally see full stops at the end of sentences in a cookbook (e.g. Non-paragraph text with two or more sentences per bullet or cell needs to include a full stop at the end. The above kinds of text are often seen without periods at the end, but how do you decide? Use rule ‘NPT2’. Non-paragraph Text (NPT) is often, but not always, found in: A paragraph can (rarely) have one sentence, but it is usually identifiable by being preceded by and/or followed by another paragraph. Paragraph Text (PT) is usually two or more sentences sitting together or one after the other in the same text section. to be as consistent as possible, a good rule to follow is what we call ‘NPT2’. If you want your book, website, magazine, article, DVD, etc. It isn't possible to have absolute rules in relation to periods that will apply to all cases and types of writing. If you feel that the phrase will be confusing (read poorly), be grammatically incorrect, be noticeably inconsistent or look strange without a full stop, then add one. This rule can be modified to suit different texts and the key is to decide on a rule, understand it, and implement it as globally as possible. If you're looking for rigid rules about periods in non-paragraph text, you've just found a fantastic guide, however some flexibility will be needed to suit all types of text.ĭo not use a full stop on non-paragraph text unless there's more than one sentence. That being the case, work on the words that are too weak, and leave out the exclamation marks. It is unnecessary to use exclamation points in non-fiction writing unless your words don’t stand up for themselves. Use an exclamation mark sparingly.Īn exclamation mark is for signifying shouting in dialogue. Use a question mark at the end of a question. Writers should always use a full stop at the end of a full sentence (with the exception of non-paragraph text as discussed below). These ubiquitous punctuation marks signify to the reader when a sentence is about to end (as the eye scans ahead to locate the dot), making the words easier to follow. Other forms include the exclamation point (!) and the question mark (?). Full stops are a form of period that finalises a sentence (.).
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