Colons
Most people know how to use semicolons properly, but change the comma to a period to make a colon and then the people are confused. Once you know the rules, colons become a vital part of sentences.
Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when there are no introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is.
Use a colon instead of a semicolon between two strong independent clauses when the second clause explains the first clause and no coordinating conjunction is connecting the clauses. If only one sentence follows the colon, do not capitalize the first word of the new sentence. If two or more sentences follow the colon, capitalize the first word of each sentence.
Try It!
In the following sentences, insert colons and capitalization where necessary.
- Spices are used in cooking they enhance the tasty foods.
- Please bring the following to class a pencil, some paper, and your book.
- You will need these items a box and some tape.
- Sage walls make the bathroom look nicer they brighten up the room. They also accent the picture and the wooden floor.
Answers:
- Spices are used in cooking: they enhance the tasty foods.
- Please bring the following to class: a pencil, some paper, and your book.
- You will need these items: a box and some tape.
- Sage walls make the bathroom look nicer: They brighten up the room. They also accent the picture and the wooden floor.
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