After the salutation of a business letter – Dear Mr. Hanson: To separate a Bible chapter and verse – Deuteronomy 3:10. An additional frequent question to when to use a colon, is whether the independent clause that follows a colon in a sentence should be started with a capital letter. Rule 1: Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is do not apply or are not appropriate. Often, it’s almost a definition of what came before. A good set of rules for using the colon (“:”). Use each sentence below as the model for a new sentence. The dash, on the other hand, frightens nobody. That's because the colon signals that what comes next is directly related to the previous sentence. The firm represents clients across the United States in public relations, media planning, social and digital media, graphic design and strategic planning. 4. betsy@plaidswan.com, Copyright Plaid Swan 2019 | All Rights Reserved |, We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. In fact, all three marks of punctuation—the semicolon, the colon, and the dash—can be effective when used appropriately. Semicolons are used between two independent clauses (a group of words that can stand alone and make sense as a complete sentence), while colons follow a complete sentence to set off an example or a list. ". For example: Some joker once observed that the semicolon is "a comma that has gone to college." Another time that you use a semicolon is when a transition word or conjunctive adverb (such as however, therefore, consequently, moreover, nevertheless, subsequently) separates two independent clauses. With ratios and proportions – The proportion of cats to dogs is 2:1. After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing. If that clause is a formal quote, it should be begun with a capital letter as illustrated below. They think it's too highfalutin and a little old-fashioned to boot. 1. When separating an independent clause from an explanation, use the colon as illustrated in the following example. Second, they give everyone a good excuse to eat cake and ice cream. Do not run. What I am also looking for are semicolon pointers where I am often not sure what is the correct way of using them in a paragraph. Please bring (a) wet suits, (b) fins, and (c) snorkels. While it is often easier to tackle smaller issues, Event planning during a pandemic is very different, Our team is made up of natural #ProblemSolvers. The two main rules that differ are whether you can use a colon after a sentence fragment and whether you capitalize the first word after a colon. Using Commas, Semicolons, and Colons Within Sentences, Connecting Sentences with Commas and Semicolons. Rule 1: Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is do not apply or are not appropriate. Your new sentence should follow the accompanying guidelines and use the same punctuation contained in the model. I am really very impressed with the quality of these worksheets.’, 'I have been so impressed with TheSchoolRun and have really enjoyed completing your weekly worksheets with my two older children. 1. Rule 1a. The following are requested: A colon is used to make lists and tell the reader, “This is what I mean.” The colon should not be used often in most kinds of writing unless there are extensive lists involved. The colon is a punctuation mark that looks like two periods stacked one on top the other (:). In many cases, it should be. WIN a brilliant back to school bundle from Learning Resources(R) worth £94! Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. Required fields are marked *. Examples: You may be required to bring many items: sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing. The semicolon ( ; ) looks like a period ( . ) Incorrect – My printer uses a bevy of ink cartridges, including: cyan, magenta, yellow, gray, and black. Rule 1: Use a colon to introduce a series of items. You may be required to bring many things: sleeping bags, pans, utensils, and warm clothing. Fabulous, I enjoy reading such pointers. Examples: Please see our Rules for Semicolons and our posts Semicolons; Using Commas, Semicolons, and Colons Within Sentences; and Connecting Sentences with Commas and Semicolons. 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