MOS:PLIST

Guideline on the use of lists in Wikipedia articles

MOS:PLIST is a section of the Wikipedia Manual of Style that provides guidelines on the use of lists within Wikipedia articles. Lists are a common way to organize information, and the MOS:PLIST guideline helps editors decide when and how to use lists effectively to enhance the readability and accessibility of articles.

Overview

The MOS:PLIST guideline is part of the broader Manual of Style/Layout and is intended to ensure that lists are used in a way that is consistent with Wikipedia's overall style and presentation standards. Lists can be used to present information in a clear and concise manner, but they should be used judiciously to avoid disrupting the flow of the article.

Types of Lists

MOS:PLIST covers several types of lists, including:

• Bulleted lists: Used for items that do not have a specific order. These are often used for short, related items that can be grouped together.
• Numbered lists: Used for items that have a specific order or sequence. These are useful for instructions or steps that need to be followed in a particular order.
• Definition lists: Used for terms and their definitions. These are less common but can be useful for glossaries or lists of terms with explanations.

Guidelines for Using Lists

The MOS:PLIST guideline provides several key points to consider when using lists:

• Appropriateness: Lists should be used when they improve the clarity of the article. If a list disrupts the narrative flow, it may be better to incorporate the information into the text.
• Length: Lists should not be excessively long. If a list becomes too lengthy, it may be better to break it into sub-sections or convert it into prose.
• Consistency: Lists should be consistent in style and format throughout the article. This includes using the same type of list (bulleted, numbered, etc.) and maintaining consistent punctuation and capitalization.
• Context: Each list should be introduced with a lead-in sentence or paragraph that provides context for the items in the list.

Examples

Here are some examples of how lists can be used effectively in Wikipedia articles:

• A bulleted list of features in a software article, where the order of features is not important.
• A numbered list of steps in a "How to" article, where the sequence of steps is crucial.
• A definition list in a glossary section of a technical article, where terms are defined for the reader.

Common Pitfalls

Editors should be aware of common pitfalls when using lists:

• Overuse: Overusing lists can make an article feel disjointed. It's important to balance lists with prose to maintain a smooth narrative.
• Lack of context: Lists without context can confuse readers. Always provide an introduction or explanation for the list.
• Inconsistency: Mixing different types of lists or using inconsistent formatting can make an article difficult to read.

Also see

• Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Layout
• Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Lead section
• Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Lists
• Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Accessibility