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.
How many spaces should be left after a colon?
Just as with the period, it used to be common to put two spaces after a colon, but now most style guides that address the matter (e.g., The Chicago Manual of Style) recommend using only
one space after a colon
.
Do you add a space after a colon?
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.
When to use a colon or a semicolon?
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.
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.
When should 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.
What is the proper way to use a semicolon?
- A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. …
- Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.
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.
Can a colon come after a semicolon?
Between independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. … As with the semicolon,
do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless the word is ordinarily capitalized
.
Can you have two colons in the same sentence?
There’s no strict rule against employing
two colons, but it’s generally not done, mostly because it comes across as sort of fussy and pretentious. That said, I think your second colon would be better as a comma either way.
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 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.
Can you use semicolons in a list?
Semicolons can be used to link items in a list
, such as objects, locations, names and descriptions. Where the list items already contain commas, a semicolon helps avoid confusion between the items; in this way the semicolon acts like a ‘super comma’.
How do you use a semicolon in a list examples?
It is now appropriate to use semicolons as separators to outrank those commas. For example: I have been to
Newcastle, Carlisle, and York in the North
; Bristol, Exeter, and Portsmouth in the South; and Cromer, Norwich, and Lincoln in the East.
What does a semicolon tattoo mean?
A semicolon tattoo is a tattoo of the
semicolon punctuation mark
(;) used as a message of affirmation and solidarity against suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues.
What is the correct punctuation for a list?
There are three punctuation marks involved in making a list in a sentence: the
comma, colon, and semicolon
. Which you use depends on how complex your list is. If you are writing a simple list, you can just insert a comma after each item.
