An ordered list is a sequence of items where order matters; items are numbered (1., 2., 3., …) to show rank, steps, or priority. Common uses:
- Procedures and step-by-step instructions
- Ranked lists (best-to-worst)
- Ordered data where sequence affects meaning (recipes, timelines)
Formatting and behavior:
- In plain text: numbers followed by a period or parenthesis (e.g., “1. Step one”).
- In HTML: use the
- tag
Best practices:
- Keep items concise and parallel in grammatical structure.
- Use ordered lists for tasks requiring sequence; use unordered lists for non-sequential sets.
- For long items, consider sublists or headings to improve scannability.
- Combine with bolded lead-ins for clarity (e.g., “Step 1:** Initialize…”).
Accessibility:
- Ensure screen readers recognize the list structure (use proper HTML or semantic markup).
- Provide clear start points and avoid ambiguous numbering when items can be conditionally skipped.
Examples:
- Preheat oven.
- Mix ingredients.
- Bake 30 minutes.
Let me know if you want examples in HTML, Markdown, or a style guide for ordered lists.
Leave a Reply