What are the rules for using a colon?
The hard and fast rule is that a colon must ALWAYS follow a complete sentence. Do not use a colon after a sentence fragment, ever. A colon is used after a full sentence or independent clause to introduce something that illustrates, clarifies, or amplifies what was said in the sentence that preceded the colon.
How do you use a colon in a sentence?
A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. Emphasis—Capitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. (She had one love: Western Michigan University.)
Where should a colon be placed to punctuate?
A colon is written as two dots on top of each other (:), and it is used to separate independent clauses among other things. A space or return is placed directly after a colon. Using colons in a sentence can be tricky.
What are the rules for colons and semicolons?
Use the semicolon only if they separate two complete sentences. The colon is not used often and means “that is to say” or “here’s what I mean” (Grammarbook). Use a colon “to introduce an explanation; right before a summary of your point; [and] before a list, or when you mean ‘as an example’” (Owlcation).
Can you end a sentence with a colon?
The colon can be used to emphasize a phrase or single word at the end of a sentence. An em dash can be used for the same purpose. In the second example below, an em dash is more common than a colon, though the use of a colon is nevertheless correct.
What is a colon 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.
What is an example of a colon?
A colon can be used to introduce a list. For example, “Here’s a list of groceries I need: a loaf of bread, a quart of milk, and a stick of butter.” The words preceding the colon stand as a complete, grammatically correct sentence.
When should you use a colon?
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 end a paragraph with a colon?
Broadly speaking, I would avoid the colon. I see nothing wrong with a period. If you insist on a colon like that, only use it if what follows is clearly laid out as an easily identifiable list.
How do you use a colon and semicolon in a list?
Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list.
- He took three things on the hike; his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick.
- He took three things on the hike: his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick.
What are the main rules of punctuation?
Basic Rules of Punctuation 1. Subordinating Conjunction – If a sentence begins with a SC, comma after the clause. 3. Prepositional Phrase – If a sentence begins with a PP, comma after the phrase. 4. Coordinating Conjunction – (FANBOYS_For- And -Nor –But- Or -Yet –So)
There are five key rules for colon usage that should always be followed: 1. Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. 2. Use colons between two sentences if the second sentence emphasizes or illustrates the first. 3. Use a colon to introduce a bulleted or numbered list.
When to use colon?
When to use a colon. The colon is a very useful punctuation mark. It most often is used to replace the word “because.” In technical terms, the colon is used between independent clauses when the second is an explanation for the first.
When to use commas and colons?
Commas, colons, and semicolons are used within sentences as punctuation to separate clauses from one another. They are not interchangeable, but may be related.