how to use a colon

Rules for Using Semicolons. Colons introduce clauses or phrases that serve to describe amplify or restate what precedes them.

Learn How And When To Use A Colon With Examples And Useful Colon Punctuation Rules The Mark In The Mid Punctuation Rules Colon Punctuation Punctuation

Others write with a pen or pencil.

. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas parts in a sentence those ideas are then given equal position or rank. She wants just one thing. The colon replaces the phrase which is and emphasizes what follows. Bats eyes bogies fangs and unicorn blood.

Use a colon to introduce the formal expression of a rule or principle. Common Mistakes When Using Colons 4. Example John only does one thing during his free time. To introduce a list speech or quotation.

Colons look like a two periods put together one on top of the other. Lisa only had one option left. But you can also use a colon to introduce a quotation or to join a sentence with one that explains it. Between two main clauses in cases where the second clause explains or follows from the first.

Prefacing a List 3. Do not capitalize the first item after the colon unless its a proper noun. A room of her own. Use a Colon after an Independent Clause.

His father gave John several responsibilities. For example this summary could be written as Colons can introduce many things. Please bring these items. Here are five common uses of the colon.

Often they are used to introduce a quote or a list that satisfies the previous statement. Colons promise the completion of something and are used to explain an idea in more depth to begin a numbered series or to start a list. A colon is used within a sentence. You know what to do.

The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. Thanks to Library Lady Jane for all her help in writing these grammar guides over the years. Phrases like the following may sometimes be used to signal an introduction to a list. To begin with I.

If the letter is personal then either a colon or comma is appropriate. To Whom It May Concern. Add the colon after an independent clause. Sleeping bags pans utensils and warm clothing.

Lowercase or Capital Letter after a Colon. How to use a colon There are three main uses of the colon. Use a lowercase letter when the word that follows the colon is normally lowercased. That is the secret of my extraordinary life.

More grammar comics from The Oatmeal. Some people write with a word processor. I want the following items. A colon can be used to introduce a list.

The most common way to use a colon in a sentence is to introduce a list with it. Many books would be briefer if their authors followed the logical principle known as Occams razor. It is a way of saying which isare or as follows By using a colon you ask the reader to focus on the information that follows. Explanations should not be multiplied unnecessarily.

Butter sugar and flour. The most common way to use a semicolon is to help join closely connected ideas in a sentence. In such usage the colon functions in much the same way as the semicolon. The colon is a punctuation mark that serves multiple functions.

The most feared punctuation on earth. It does not matter if you are using the persons first name both first and last name or their title you should always use a colon if the letter is formal. As with the semicolon do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless the. Always do the unexpected.

Descriptors quotes lists and more. While you can also use a semicolon or a period between two independent-yet-related clauses the colon is a little softer than the period but a little harder than the. Use a colon to introduce information that describes explains or amplifies. You may be required to bring many things.

We knew what we had to do. The witches potion contains hideous ingredients. A colon can be used to separate two independent clauses when a the second clause is directly related to the first clause not just vaguely related and b when the emphasis is on the second clause. A towel a swimming suit and a hat.

Speaking at Shanes funeral Stephen addresses the crowd. More Tips for Using Colons Introducing a Word or Phrase A colon is often used to introduce a word or phrase. A semicolon is most commonly used to link in a single sentence two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. An independent clause is a complete thought or complete sentence.

Use a colon to introduce an item or a series of items. Introducing a Word or Phrase 2. If you would like a regular serving of grammar-related awesomeness every day go follow her on Twitter. Use a colon following a greeting also known as a salutation in a formal or business letter.

Feeding the dog taking out the garbage and washing the dishes. How to use a semicolon. In general the portion of sentence before the colon should be a complete sentence it should contain a subject and a verb. A colon is also the punctuation mark used when telling time.

Lets look at the same examples. These sections must be independent and complete sentences but closely linked in.

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