Colons
What are colons (:)?
Colon (:) is a punctuation mark : used
chiefly to direct attention to matter (such as a list, explanation, quotation,
or amplification) that follows
Colons Usage
Colons Usage A
Use a colon to mean “note what follows.”
(1) Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions
such as the
following and as follows.
EXAMPLE The duties of this job are as follows: help unload the delivery
trucks, sweep the aisles, and stack items on the shelves.
(2) Use a colon before
a long, formal statement or quotation.
EXAMPLE Then he addressed the crowd: “Many of you here have
become discouraged. You feel that no one cares that this power plant is
polluting your water and your air. Don’t give up, though. Together we are
making progress, and together we will shut this thing down!”
Use a colon before a statement that explains or clarifies a
preceding statement.
EXAMPLE Ahmed left before the rest of us: He had to be there early to help with the
costumes.
Colons Usage B
Use a
colon in certain conventional situations.
(1) Use a colon between the hour and the minute.
(1) Use a colon between the hour and the minute.
EXAMPLES 5:30 P.M. today 6:55 A.M.
(2) Use a colon between
chapter and verse in Biblical references.
EXAMPLES John 3:16 Colossians 3:2
(3) Use a colon between a
title and a subtitle.
EXAMPLES Star Wars:Return of the Jedi Ishi:Last of His Tribe
(4) Use a colon after the
salutation of a business letter.
EXAMPLES To Whom It May Concern: Dear Ms. Aya:
Colons Usage Summary
1-Use a
colon to mean “note what follows.”
EXAMPLE You need to shop for several items: brown shoelaces, a quart
of milk, five or six carrots, and a tube of toothpaste.
2-Use a
colon before a statement that explains or clarifies a preceding statement.
EXAMPLE Suddenly, Ali screamed:There were fire ants all over her feet.
3- Use a colon in certain
conventional situations.
EXAMPLES 9:30 P.M. Matthew 2:13 Dear Sir:
EXAMPLES 9:30 P.M. Matthew 2:13 Dear Sir:
