What does the colon mean in grammar?
Colons are punctuation marks used to signal when what comes next is directly related to the previous sentence. They are used after complete sentences. It is especially important to remember that a colon is not used after a sentence fragment.
Can I use colon for definition?
You can also use a colon to introduce an explanation or a definition of something. For instance: I’ll tell you what I’m going to do: I’m going to quit!
How do you use a colon to define a word?
The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. In such usage, the colon functions in much the same way as the semicolon. As with the semicolon, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless the word is ordinarily capitalized.
What Does a colon in writing look like?
The colon : is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots placed one above the other on the same vertical line. A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, or to introduce a quoted sentence.
How do you use colon in a sentence?
To join sentences. You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes, sharpens, or explains the first. Both sentences should be complete, and their content should be very closely related. Note that if you use colons this way too often, it can break up the flow of your writing.
Can you use colon after verb?
A colon should not separate a noun from its verb, a verb from its object or subject complement, a preposition from its object, or a subject from its predicate. To write this sentence correctly, the colon should be removed. When I graduate, I want to go to Rome, Israel, and Egypt.
Where do we use in a sentence?
“I visited my old neighborhood where I have the best memories.” “I went back to the store where I bought my sweater.” “I went to the library where I studied until 8 o’clock.” “I went to my friend’s house where we got ready for the party.”
What is a colon in grammar for kids?
A colon is a punctuation mark that can be used to introduce a list or to separate two independent but linked clauses (colons are used to stress that both clauses in the sentence are closely linked and the second clause emphasises, adds clarification, or adds further detail to the first clause).
What is colon in keyboard?
A colon is a symbol that resembles two vertical periods ( : ) and found on the same key as the semicolon on standard United States keyboards. Keyboard help and support.
How do you use a colon in academic writing?
Using colons : If you use colons in your writing, use them sparingly, and never use a colon more than once in any sentence. Colons can be used to introduce a list, but they must follow a complete sentence (independent clause).
Where does the word capacious come from in English?
Also found in: Thesaurus . Capable of containing a large quantity; spacious or roomy: a capacious office building. See Synonyms at spacious. [From Latin capāx, capāc-, from capere, to take; see kap- in Indo-European roots .]
Where does the word colon come from in a sentence?
The word colon comes from the Greek term kōlon, meaning a part of a verse or clause, or more literally, part of a limb, particularly a leg. Keith Houston, who has authored several books on punctuation, explained the origin of the colon in his article “The Mysterious Origins of Punctuation” published on Sept. 2, 2015, on the BBC website.
When to capitalize the first word after a colon?
Colons Separating Independent Clauses. In British English, the word following a colon is not capitalized unless it is a proper noun or an acronym. In American English, styles differ, but it is best to capitalize the first word after a colon if what follows forms two or more complete sentences.
When to use a colon as a punctuation mark?
This punctuation mark introduces clauses and series. The colon ( : ) is a mark of punctuation used after a statement (such as an independent clause) or that introduces a quotation, an explanation, an example, or a series.