But first please note the following: the colon is never preceded by a white space ; it is always followed by a single white space in normal use, and it is never, never, never followed by a hyphen or a dash — in spite of what you might have been taught in school.
How do you use a colon example?
For instance, “I need to visit the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker.” A colon can be used to introduce a list—but you’ll still need commas to separate the items in the list. For example, Here’s a list of groceries I need: a loaf of bread, a quart of milk, and a stick of butter .
What must come after a colon?
A space or return is placed directly after a colon . Using colons in a sentence can be tricky. Without knowing how to use colons, a writer can end up just putting colons everywhere, nowhere at all or interchanging the colon with a semicolon or comma.
When should you not use a colon?
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.
When should you use a colon?
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.
Why use a colon instead of a comma?
Use a colon to set off a second independent clause that modifies the first. Aaron was happy today: he hopped and skipped all the way to the post office. Use colons to introduce quotations after an independent clause . Use a comma when introducing quotations after a dependent clause.
What is the difference between a semicolon and a colon?
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.
Can you use a colon and semicolon in the same sentence?
Colons and semicolons can be used in the same sentence , but they are each used for different purposes. ... In this example, the colon is used to introduce the cities. Semicolons are used to separate each city and state from the next city and state in the list.
What Does a colon do 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.
Do I use colon or semicolon?
Semicolons should introduce evidence or a reason for the preceding statement; for example, this sentence appropriately uses a semicolon. A colon , on the other hand, should be used for a stronger, more direct relationship. It should provide emphasis, an example, or an explanation.
Where do you put semicolons?
Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.
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.
When would you use a semicolon examples?
When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses , you should use a semicolon. Some common conjunctive adverbs include moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently. I needed to go for a walk and get some fresh air; also, I needed to buy milk.
Does a semicolon mean or?
Most commonly, the semicolon is used between two independent clauses (i.e., clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences) when a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) is omitted.
How do you use semicolons in a list?
Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas . There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.
What are some examples of semicolons?
Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not. The cat slept through the storm ; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.
