When should a colon be used examples?
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 three 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.
Do you put a colon after the following?
Use a colon after a statement that introduces a horizontal or vertical list and includes the words “the following”, “as follows”, “these”, or “thus”. We saw the following cars: a BMW, a Jaguar, and a Porsche.
How should a colon be used 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.
When should you not use a colon?
1. Do not use a colon in a complete sentence after phrases such as “such as,” “including,” and “for example.” Because phrases like these already indicate to the reader that a list of examples will follow, there is no need to introduce them with a colon, which would merely be redundant.
How do you list after a colon?
When listing items one by one, one per line, following a colon, capitalization and ending punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases preceded by letters, numbers, or bullet points. If each point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end the sentence with appropriate ending punctuation.
Where should a colon be placed to punctuate the sentence correctly?
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.
How do you use 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.
What Does a colon look like in writing?
A colon looks like two full stops, one above the other. A helpful thing to remember about colons is that because they look like two full stops, they can only be used at the end of an independent clause.
Why use a colon instead of a comma?
Use a colon rather than a comma to follow the salutation in a business letter, even when addressing someone by his or her first name. (Never use a semicolon after a salutation.) A comma is used after the salutation in more informal correspondence.
Do you use a colon before a list?
When listing things do you use a colon or semicolon?
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.