[Grammar] Is the use of period necessary in list items?

[Zoli]

Hi,
I have similar items on a website and I'm wondering if the periods are necessary in list items or they can be dropped:

Our goals:

• Development of wind and solar power.
• Animal healthcare and wellbeing.
• Promoting entrepreneurial activies.

Thank you!

 

[emsr2d2]

In a bullet point list, especially where the words next to each point don't constitute a complete sentence, the full stop (period) is optional. I wouldn't use it in your example.

 

[Tdol]

I'd leave the period out too.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

You only need periods if the items link to the opening phrase to make complete sentences, like this:

Our goals are:

• development of wind and solar power.
• animal healthcare and wellbeing.
• promoting entrepreneurial activies.

 

[jutfrank]

I wouldn't say the full stops are optional at all. I'm stunned that other members think that's the case. Really? Why?

It's not right to use them.

 

[Tdol]

I try to steer people the right way without going in hard.

 

[jutfrank]

I try to steer people the right way without going in hard.

Hmm. I always try to go in hard. Especially when there's such a clear answer.

I was referring mostly to post #2. I can't see any way that you could justify using a period if the bullet points don't make complete sentences. If you make complete sentences, it still wouldn't be right to do so, even though there is at least some poor argument to be made.

(Sorry, I don't mean to be rude to anyone, but really?!)