series

(noun)

A simple, relatively short list of three to five items within a paragraph.

Related Terms

  • element
  • elements

Examples of series in the following topics:

  • MLA: Series and Lists

  • APA: Series and Lists

  • Chicago/Turabian: Series and Lists

  • MLA: Series and Lists

  • Chicago/Turabian: Series and Lists

  • APA: Series and Lists

    • 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.
  • Overall Structure and Formatting of an MLA Paper

    • 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!
  • Overall Structure and Formatting of a Chicago/Turabian Paper

    • 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:
  • Semicolons

    • Semicolons are used between items in a list or series when those items themselves contain internal punctuation.
  • Articulating Your Argument Up Front

    • 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.
Subjects
  • Accounting
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  • Microbiology
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