Examples of series in the following topics:
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- In APA style, there are specific formats for series and lists.
- The items within a series or a list are known as “elements."
- You will want to use a list rather than a series if any of the following is true:
- Lists differ from series in that they appear separate from a paragraph rather than embedded within it.
- Unlike a series, a list can include elements that are all full sentences, or even paragraphs.
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- MLA style does not have specific rules for the formatting of series and lists, beyond mandating the use of the Oxford comma.
- If your instructor does not give you additional specific guidelines, you should fold any series or list into the paragraph rather than giving each element its own line.
- As is standard in most style guides, use semicolons rather than commas to separate the elements of the series if at least one of the elements includes a comma somewhere within it (known as an “internal comma”).
- The Oxford comma (also called the serial comma) is the comma that comes after the second-to-last item in a series or list.
- However, it's a requirement in MLA style, so double-check all your lists and series to make sure you include it!
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- The Oxford comma (also called the serial comma) is the comma that comes after the second-to-last item in a series or list.
- However, it's a requirement in Chicago style, so double-check all your lists and series to make sure you include it!
- However, if what follows a colon is a series of multiple sentences, or a quotation, you do need to capitalize the first word after the colon:
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- Semicolons are used between items in a list or series when those items themselves contain internal punctuation.
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- Early in the essay, you want to include a series of sentences that show the way in which your essay will move toward your position.
- Early in the essay, you want to include a series of sentences that briefly demonstrate the way in which your essay will move toward articulating your argumentative position.