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Hi, Sean,
I'd prefer 2), too, but in bulleted lists only. If it is a flat and short list, I'd use 1).
Because I'm German, I'm very common with using colon.
In English, I also found a semicolon at this position.
3) adds some redundancy - this may be good in some circumstances - for example in spoken language, but in written language I'd avoid it.
Best regards and Greetings from Dresden/Germany
Bernd
Von meinem iPad gesendet
> Am 07.08.2015 um 19:29 schrieb Sean Brierley <sean -dot- brierley -at- gerberscientific -dot- com>:
>
> Question about using lists. Which would you prefer and why? Does a
> requirement for translation make a difference? Assume each of the following
> fragments is followed by a list that correctly uses parallel structure.
>
> 1) This package includes
> 2) This package includes:
> 3) This package includes the following:
>
> I go with 2. I have made a stylistic decision that all introductions end
> with a colon, be they a fragment or complete sentence. I know that's
> contrary to some grammar positions. I also see "the following" as
> superfluous, though I am not opposed to adding it if there's good reason;
> is there?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Sean
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