When should you use a colon?

When should you use a colon?

You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes, sharpens, or explains the first. Both sentences should be complete, and their content should be very closely related. Note that if you use colons this way too often, it can break up the flow of your writing.

How do you use a colon in a sentence?

Colons in Sentences

1. There are two choices at this time: run away or fight.
2. We knew who would win the game: the Eagles.
3. He wanted to see three cities in Italy: Rome, Florence, and Venice.
4. Here are three states that begin with M: Michigan, Mississippi, and Maine.

What Does a colon indicate?

The colon is used to indicate that what follows it is an explanation or elaboration of what precedes it. That is, having introduced some topic in more general terms, you can use a colon and go on to explain that same topic in more specific terms.

Why are colons important?

The colon can also be used to introduce a grammatically independent sentence. Thus, it is one of the most powerful punctuation marks. The colon is like a sign on the highway, announcing that something important is coming. It acts as an arrow pointing forward, telling you to read on for important information.

How do you use a colon?

What Is A Colon And How Do You Use It?

1. To join two sentences. A colon is frequently used to join two independent clauses, or a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, and can stand on its own as a complete sentence.
2. To introduce a quote.
3. To introduce items in a serial list.
4. To express time.
5. Colon vs.
6. Colon vs.

What is a colon example?

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 Does a colon look like in writing?

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.

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 I use a 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.

Do you need a full sentence before 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 should a semicolon not be used?

Do not use a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause. As we have stated above, semicolons can be used to join two complete sentences. Since a dependent clause does not express a complete thought, it is not a complete sentence and cannot be joined to your independent clause by a semicolon.

Should you use the word and after a semicolon?

The most common use of the semicolon is to join two independent clauses without using a conjunction like and. Do you use a capital letter after a semicolon? The general answer is no.

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.

How do you properly use a semicolon?

Rule. Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses which are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. This rule means that semicolons are used between two complete sentences which are not already linked by words like and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.

Is a colon used for a list?

Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare.

What does a semicolon mean in a list?

Semicolons can be used to separate parts of a sentence. They can also separate two main clauses or grouped items in a list. Semicolons can also help to simplify lists by showing which items are grouped together.

Can complex sentences have semicolons?

Some lists already have commas to join dependent clauses or phrases. In this case, a semicolon can be used to separate the elements in a complex sentence.

What are complex sentences 5 examples?

Common Complex Sentence Examples

• Because my coffee was too cold, I heated it in the microwave.
• Although he was wealthy, he was still unhappy.
• She returned the computer after she noticed it was damaged.
• Whenever prices goes up, customers buy less products.

How do you use a colon in a complex sentence?

The colon is a punctuation mark that has few but important places in sentence structures. Use a colon after an independent clause in order to introduce a list or qualifying description that cannot stand alone.