Lists, Paragraphs, and Eating Out in San Francisco

Lists are an extremely clear and user-friendly way to present information, but they can be tricky to punctuate. Here’s one tip.

Sometimes a paragraph ends with a statement that introduces several following paragraphs. In that situation, the introductory statement should end with a period instead of a colon — just like any other paragraph. Here’s an example of this kind of mistake.

Other [San Francisco] restaurants that have opened in the last couple of years [elicit positive emotions in a] sophisticated and subtle way. Here are six:

AQ. The newest restaurant that features great design is AQ on Mission between 6th and 7th streets….

Chambers. This space has been the home of Miss Pearl’s Jam House and Bambuddha Lounge….

Gitane. Located on tiny Claude Lane, Gitane feels like a speakeasy….

Bar Agricole. The whimsical  glass tubes that surround the skylights,  the brick walls, high beamed ceiling and molded concrete booths all work to give this industrial space a modern, joyful edge.

25 Lusk. Built in 1917 as a meat packer and smokehouse, the bunker-like brick walls make the place feel cozy….

Park Tavern. It feels like an upscale brasserie.…

The “Here are six” sentence calls for a final period instead of a colon. A colon would be correct only if each of these six restaurants were under a bulleted and indented list — an alternate, equally correct way to format the information above.

It’s great to end one paragraph with an explanation of the single topic that the next few paragraphs will cover. Just save colons for list introductions and end all your paragraphs with periods, and you’ll be in the clear!

Write It Well’s book Essential Grammar includes two chapters on punctuation. We’ve made all the book’s exercises available as a free download here to accompany the e-book, which is now available on Amazon.com!

Do you have an important document but not enough time to clarify your thoughts and double-check your punctuation and grammar? Just use Write It Well’s editing services to make sure your readers follow your ideas and respect your voice.