The Colon The colon functions as an introducer

The colon functions as an “introducer. ” n When a statement is followed by

Use the colon: n n n To introduce a list or series Consider these

n n To introduce the clarifying detail The colon introduces an example that defines

Examples: n We have a new danger to consider: inflation. n Paul lived for

n n n The statement before the colon must be an independent clause; therefore,

n n A colon is not used before a list of modifiers or compliments

• Use the colon to introduce some formal quotations. n n President Kennedy

• use the colon between two main clauses when the second clause explains

• After a formal salutation in a business letter n Dear Sir: n

• To separate hours and minutes in numerals indicating time n n By

• Between parts of a Biblical reference n The preacher read Proverbs 20:

• In a bibliographical reference between the place of publication and the name

Between the title and subtitle of a book n n Example: The students were

Between numbers referring to volume and pages of books and magazines n Example: n

n The colon waves the traffic on through the intersection: “Go right ahead, ”

Summary The colon follows an independent clause and introduces one of three things: examples,

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The Colon

The colon functions as an “introducer. ” n When a statement is followed by a list or by one or more examples, the colon between the statement and what follows alerts the reader to what is coming.

Use the colon: n n n To introduce a list or series Consider these three viewpoints: political, economic and social. The starting players will be the following: Shapiro, Browne, Landry, Watson, and Sherman.

n n To introduce the clarifying detail The colon introduces an example that defines or amplifies something in the statement.

Examples: n We have a new danger to consider: inflation. n Paul lived for only one thing: theatre. n By the next morning the thing we had all expected had occurred: Ms. Stronach’smurder.

n n n The statement before the colon must be an independent clause; therefore, a colon can never come immediately after “is” or “are. ” INCORRECT: Two things I cannot stand are: brussel sprouts and asparagus.

n n A colon is not used before a list of modifiers or compliments immediately following the verb The candidate’s characteristics were honesty, intelligence and courage.

• Use the colon to introduce some formal quotations. n n President Kennedy said, " Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country. ” We remember Mrs. Culp-Klassen’s words: “Math is hell!”

• use the colon between two main clauses when the second clause explains or develops the first. n Some feel that outlawing a drug only complicates the problem: the user then deals with criminal elements.

• After a formal salutation in a business letter n Dear Sir: n Dear Ms. Baker:

• To separate hours and minutes in numerals indicating time n n By 10: 15 A. M. everyone realized that Ms. Stronach is the shortest human being on earth! The train leaves at 2: 40 P. M. and arrives at 5: 35 P. M.

• Between parts of a Biblical reference n The preacher read Proverbs 20: 28.

• In a bibliographical reference between the place of publication and the name of the publisher n Example: New York: Oxford University Press

Between the title and subtitle of a book n n Example: The students were anxious to read the famous biography Just Like the Queen: the Life of Ms. Knapp.

Between numbers referring to volume and pages of books and magazines n Example: n Volume 4: pages 126 -142

n The colon waves the traffic on through the intersection: “Go right ahead, ” it says, “and you will find what you are looking for. ”

Summary The colon follows an independent clause and introduces one of three things: examples, a list, or a quotation.