Punctuation - Help from English native speakers

[Plektra]

This bugs me...If you write short phrases, do you put a period after the last word?

If you have them one next to the other you do. Say you have....

Wash by hand. Dry clean. Machine wash.

But what if you have them one below the other? Do you put a period or not?

Wash by hand
Dry clean
Machine wash

I have seen people writing: "Thank you." with the period at the end....It drives me nuts! Is it right?

[Former_Member]

LMAO.
Me too.
Right.

*haha*

Only in a sentence ... the other way is weird!

[Former_Member]

Punctuation is crucial. "Lets eat Grandpa" and "Let's eat, Grandpa" can save you some charges of cannibalism.

For lists however, you do not need punctuation.

Thank you. Should have a period if it's part of the sentence and not a sign such as "Thank You" on a door.

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-English-Punctuation-Correctly

[Plektra]

Any native English speakers who can help me? I'm working on my listing descriptions....

[Former_Member]

It looks like everyone agrees Minerva, and the answer to your question is no. But thank you is an exception--it counts as a sentence, so it needs a period.

[Former_Member]

If you don't want to put a period, put a comma - either way is acceptable. If you're going to put them in list form:

Wash by Hand
Dry Clean
Machine Wash

You don't have to use punctuation there. But at least use commas in the long form.

Wash by hand, dry clean, machine wash

[Former_Member]

A period goes at the end of a complete sentence. In order to be a sentence, it must have a noun and a verb and express a complete thought.

Punctuation is not needed at the end of phrases. These can all be considered phases:

Wash by hand
Dry clean
Machine wash

[Former_Member]

...and you are right. A period doesn't go at the end of, "Thank You". (Except, when it comes at the end of the sentence.)

[Former_Member]

If you're asking which of your examples is best, I'd probably put it in list form with no punctuation.

Periods only go at the end of a complete sentence.

[Plektra]

Thank you for your specific and clear responses. That's what I thought about the list. I guess it's a British thing to put a period after 'Thank you' for instance when you finish an email. I never use it but I was wondering if there is a rule about it.

Erin, I like your suggestion about using commas, it kinda softens the tone....I might use that!

Thanks again!!