> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/latex/questions-and-answers/87-why-can-t-i-use-bullet-without-getting-a-syntax-error.md).

# Why can't I use \bullet without getting a syntax error?

The `\bullet` command is defined for use in math mode, so you need to write `$\bullet$` (or `\(\bullet\)`) to use this command within your text. If you use `\bullet` outside math mode it will generate the error [`Missing $ inserted`](/latex/latex-errors/25-missing-inserted.md).

Alternatively, the `\textbullet` command can be used outside of math mode with no need for dollar signs or `\(...\)`, as demonstrated in the following example:

```latex
\documentclass{article}
\title{A random walk in \LaTeX}
\author{Overleaf Team}
\begin{document}
\maketitle
\section{In the beginning...}
This example demonstrates using \verb|\bullet| in math mode, producing \(\bullet\) and \verb|\textbullet| outside math mode, also producing \textbullet.
\end{document}
```

[Open this example in Overleaf](https://www.overleaf.com/docs?engine=pdflatex\&snip_name=Using+the+bullet+command\&snip=%5Cdocumentclass%7Barticle%7D%0A%5Ctitle%7BA+random+walk+in+%5CLaTeX%7D%0A%5Cauthor%7BOverleaf+Team%7D%0A%5Cbegin%7Bdocument%7D%0A%5Cmaketitle%0A%5Csection%7BIn+the+beginning...%7D%0AThis+example+demonstrates+using+%5Cverb%7C%5Cbullet%7C+in+math+mode%2C+producing+%5C%28%5Cbullet%5C%29+and+%5Cverb%7C%5Ctextbullet%7C+outside+math+mode%2C+also+producing+%5Ctextbullet.%0A%5Cend%7Bdocument%7D)

This example produces the following output:

![Using the \bullet and \textbullet commands on Overleaf](/files/F2zqiUwc3Mxmhb0IS8k7)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/latex/questions-and-answers/87-why-can-t-i-use-bullet-without-getting-a-syntax-error.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.