how to use a colon
In the second example below an em dash is more common than a colon though the use of a colon is nevertheless correct. Lowercase or Capital Letter after a Colon.
Colon When To Use A Colon With Colon Punctuation Rules Punctuation Marks Punctuation Rules Colon Punctuation Punctuation
Phrases like the following may sometimes be used to signal an introduction to a list.
. Please bring these items. Colons introduce clauses or phrases that serve to describe amplify or restate what precedes them. Use a colon to introduce the formal expression of a rule or principle. How to Use a Colon in a Sentence Method 1 Method 1 of 3.
For example this summary could be written as Colons can introduce many things. Use a colon to introduce an item or a series of items. Lisa only had one option left. An independent clause is a complete thought or complete sentence.
A towel a swimming suit and a hat. Explanations should not be multiplied unnecessarily. Thanks to Library Lady Jane for all her help in writing these grammar guides over the years. Lets look at the same examples.
Rules for Using Semicolons. To introduce a list speech or quotation. To begin with I. These sections must be independent and complete sentences but closely linked in some way.
The colon is a punctuation mark that serves multiple functions. 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. How to use a colon There are three main uses of the colon. A colon can be used to separate two independent clauses when a the second clause is directly related to the first clause not just vaguely related and b when the emphasis is on the second clause.
The colon can be used to emphasize a phrase or single word at the end of a sentence. That is the secret of my extraordinary life. Descriptors quotes lists and more. The witches potion contains hideous ingredients.
More Tips for Using Colons Introducing a Word or Phrase A colon is often used to introduce a word or phrase. The colon is never preceded by a white space. Common Mistakes When Using Colons 4. An em dash can be used for the same purpose.
Others write with a pen or pencil. Use a lowercase letter when the word that follows the colon is normally lowercased. Add the colon after an independent clause. Method 2 Method 2 of.
Some people write with a word processor. Often they are used to introduce a quote or a list that satisfies the previous statement. I want the following items. How to use a semicolon.
Do not capitalize the first item after the colon unless its a proper noun. Using Colons to Direct Attention Download Article. Butter sugar and flour. To Whom It May Concern.
Introducing a Word or Phrase 2. Example John only does one thing during his free time. You may be required to bring many things. The most common way to use a semicolon is to help join closely connected ideas in a sentence.
Precede a list with a colon. Use a Colon after an Independent Clause. If you would like a regular serving of grammar-related awesomeness every day go follow her on Twitter. Bats eyes bogies fangs and unicorn blood.
The colon seems to bewilder many people though its really rather easy to use correctly since it has only one major useBut first please note the following. Here are five common uses of the colon. A colon can be used to introduce a list. In general the portion of sentence before the colon should be a complete sentence it should contain a subject and a verb.
His father gave John several responsibilities. A semicolon is most commonly used to link in a single sentence two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. Sleeping bags pans utensils and warm clothing. If the letter is personal then either a colon or comma is appropriate.
The most feared punctuation on earth. How to Use a Colon. Between two main clauses in cases where the second clause explains or follows from the first. Prefacing a List 3.
Feeding the dog taking out the garbage and washing the dishes. You know what to do. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas parts in a sentence those ideas are then given equal position or rank. More grammar comics from The Oatmeal.
Always do the unexpected. Many books would be briefer if their authors followed the logical principle known as Occams razor. While you can also use a semicolon or a period between two independent-yet-related clauses the colon is a little softer than the period but a little harder than the. It does not matter if you are using the persons first name both first and last name or their title you should always use a colon if the letter is formal.
Use a colon following a greeting also known as a salutation in a formal or business letter.
Semicolon Vs Colon When To Use Colons And Semicolons 7esl Punctuation Rules Semicolon Colon Examples
Semicolon Vs Colon When To Use Colons And Semicolons 7esl Punctuation Rules Semicolon Colon Examples
10 Rules How When To Use The Colon Infographic Writing Tips Teaching Writing Infographic
Post a Comment for "how to use a colon"