0
Coco le Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

listing

I find it confusing for quite a while.

when you list things in an essay, which way is correct?

for example,

Example 1: ordinal numerals+infinitives
"First, try to keep calm. Second, ignore the tense situation. Third, take a deep breath, etc. "

Example 2: ordinal numerals+sentences
"First, you should try to keep calm. Second, you should ignore the tense situation. Third, you need to take a deep breath, etc."

Example 3: ordinal numerals+mixed phrases and sentences
"First, try to keep calm. Second, you should ignore the tense situation. Third, take a deep breath, etc. "
  

Top answer

Let me offer some advice on style. Making numbered lists in an essay is poor style, and should be avoided as much as possible. eg Try to avoid First/Second/Third.

  • Let me offer some advice on style.
  • Making numbered lists in an essay is poor style, and should be avoided as much as possible.
  • eg Try to avoid First/Second/Third.
  • Don't address the reader(s) as 'you'.
  • Use third-person, eg A person/One should try to keep calm, .
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
Let me offer some advice on style.

Making numbered lists in an essay is poor style, and should be avoided as much as possible.
eg Try to avoid First/Second/Third.

Don't address the reader(s) as 'you'. Use third-person,

Related Questions