A colon, however, connects two clauses in a specific way, indicating that the second clause expands on the first. It alerts the reader to read on for an explanation or expansion of the first clause: In that instant Brandon made a decision: he would fly to Toronto and propose to Sean.
What Does a colon grammar do?
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. ... Also see the post on The Colon.
How do you use colons?
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.)
What are three uses for colons?
- To announce, introduce, or direct attention to a list, a noun or noun phrase, a quotation, or an example/explanation. You can use a colon to draw attention to many things in your writing. ...
- To join sentences. ...
- To express time, in titles, and as part of other writing conventions.
What are the three things that colons precede?
In modern American English usage, a colon must be preceded by a complete sentence with a list, a description, an explanation, or a definition following it . The elements that follow the colon may or may not be complete sentences.
In which sentence is a colon used correctly?
A colon instead of a semicolon may be used between independent clauses when the second sentence explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence. Example: He got what he worked for : he really earned that promotion.
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. Comma connects the elements with one another . ... A colon tells the reader that what follows is closely related to the preceding clause.
When should you not use a colon answers?
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.
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 look like in grammar?
The colon : is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots placed one above the other on the same vertical line . A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, or to introduce a quoted sentence.
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 () called in English?
They can also be used in mathematical expressions. For example, 2{1+[23-3]}=x. Parentheses ( () ) are curved notations used to contain further thoughts or qualifying remarks. However, parentheses can be replaced by commas without changing the meaning in most cases.
Can you have two colons in a sentence?
2 Answers. Seems perfectly acceptable using two colons .
Can you use a colon after one word?
The colon can also emphasize a single word: “ Just one word of advice for you , Benji: plastics.” Sometimes, writers will use a colon where they don't need to.
Do you use capitals after 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. A colon is not normally followed by a capital letter in British usage, though American usage often prefers to use a capital .
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.
