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.)
When should a colon be used example?
A colon can be used to connect two independent sentences. Typically, a colon is used when the second sentence clarifies or explains the first sentence. For example, Me and my sisters are really excited: We’re going to Disneyland!
What are the 3 ways colons can be used in a sentence?
Common uses of colons
- To announce, introduce, or direct attention to a list, a noun or noun phrase, a quotation, or an example/explanation.
- To join sentences.
- To express time, in titles, and as part of other writing conventions.
- Using a colon between a verb and its object or complement.
What is the difference between semicolon and colon?
Colons introduce or define something. The primary use of semicolons is to join two main clauses. The difference between semicolons and colons is that colons can combine two independent clauses, but their primary use is to join independent clauses with a list or a noun.
What is the proper way to use a colon?
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.
Does a colon end a sentence?
Colon. The colon is used chiefly to introduce a list, quotation, or explanation following an independent clause (complete sentence). Use a colon at the end of a complete statement to introduce a list.
How do you continue a sentence with a colon?
If only one sentence follows the colon, it is usually unnecessary to capitalize the first word of the new sentence. If two or more sentences follow the colon, capitalize the first word of each sentence following. Examples: I enjoy reading: novels by Kurt Vonnegut are among my favorites.
How do you use a colon and semicolon in a sentence?
- Semicolons. Use a semicolon to separate two related independent clauses (clauses that can stand as sentences on their own) that are not linked by a comma and coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, yet, and so).
- Colons. Use a colon to introduce a list.
- Dashes. A dash is typed as two hyphens.
Should I use a comma or semi colon?
Rule to Remember
Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas. In this example, using a semicolon makes it easier to read the two independent clauses on either side of the coordinating conjunction: Correct: My dog is sick.
What is the difference between a colon and a comma?
Key difference: The punctuations comma and colon are commonly used in grammar. Comma is used to join the components, while colon is used to represent a list of existing components.
What is an example of a sentence with a semicolon?
Semicolons Separate Clauses
Here’s an example: I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight. The two clauses in that sentence are separated by a semicolon and could be sentences on their own if you put a opens in a new windowperiod between them instead: I have a big test tomorrow.
Does a full sentence have to follow a colon?
A colon is nearly always preceded by a complete sentence; what follows the colon may or may not be a complete sentence, and it may be a mere list or even a single word.
Which is the best use of punctuation?
Punctuation fills our writing with silent intonation. We pause, stop, emphasize, or question using a comma, a period, an exclamation point or a question mark. Correct punctuation adds clarity and precision to writing; it allows the writer to stop, pause, or give emphasis to certain parts of the sentence.
Can you have two colons in a sentence?
If you use colons in your writing, use them sparingly, and never use a colon more than once in any sentence. Rule 1: Colons can be used to introduce a list, BUT they must follow a complete sentence (independent clause).
What Does a colon separate?
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.
What is the long dash called?
the em dash
The dash (—), also called the em dash, is the long horizontal bar, much longer than a hyphen.
Can a colon follow a verb?
A colon must be preceded by a full independent clause. Therefore avoid using it between a verb and its object or complement, between a preposition and its object, and after such as, including, or for example.
Can I start a new sentence after a colon?
Capitalization: First Word After a Colon
In British English, the first letter after a colon is capitalized only if it’s a proper noun or an acronym; in American English, the first word after a colon is sometimes capitalized if it begins a complete sentence.
Do you need a colon before a list?
Use a colon before a series or list only if the words that introduce the list make up a complete sentence: To make a cake you need a few basic ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, milk, flour, leavener, and salt.
Can you use a colon list in the middle of a sentence?
The colon should only come after a complete sentence, and before the list of items. Don’t add a colon after phrases like such as, for example, or we need. Incorrect – We need: eggs, milk, and fabric softener. Correct – We need the following items: eggs, milk, and, fabric softener.
Can a colon be used to explain something?
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! “Elephant (noun): a large grey mammal found in Africa and India.”