Here's how it looks visually:
```
First line of entry, flush left.
Second line of entry, indented.
Third line of entry, indented.
```
Why use hanging indentation?
* Improved readability: It makes it easier to scan the list and quickly identify the main entry (the first line).
* Consistency with style guides: Many academic and professional style guides recommend using hanging indentation for bibliographies and reference lists.
* Standard format: It's a widely used and recognized formatting style, ensuring consistency in your work.
Where to use hanging indentation:
* Bibliographies: For listing books, articles, websites, and other sources.
* Reference lists: Similar to bibliographies, but usually formatted in a specific style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
* Lists of any kind: If you want to visually separate the first item in a list from subsequent items.
How to create hanging indentation:
Most word processing programs (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs) have built-in options for creating hanging indents.
* Word: Select the list, then go to the "Paragraph" section on the "Home" tab and adjust the "Special" dropdown to "Hanging."
* Google Docs: Select the list, then go to the "Format" menu and choose "Line spacing and indentation." Adjust the "Indentation" options as needed.
By understanding the concept of hanging indentation, you can create lists and bibliographies that are visually appealing and easy to read.