{"id":2191,"date":"2019-09-11T13:08:30","date_gmt":"2019-09-11T17:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/transfer.writingcommons.org\/?page_id=2191"},"modified":"2022-01-18T07:34:32","modified_gmt":"2022-01-18T12:34:32","slug":"colons","status":"publish","type":"section","link":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/mechanics\/punctuation\/colons\/","title":{"rendered":"Colons"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"tts_content_wrapper_2\" >\n<p>A colon is <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/mechanics\/punctuation\/\">a punctuation mark<\/a> used to separate significant parts of a <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/grammar\/sentences\/\">sentence<\/a>, particularly when the first part offers a sense of anticipation for the second. This form of punctuation is also used in other conventional applications as noted below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/mechanics\/punctuation\/colons\/#Use_the_colon_when_the_first_sentence_anticipates_the_second_sentence_or_phrase_thereby_creating_an_emphatic_tone\" title=\"Use the colon when the first sentence anticipates the second sentence or phrase, thereby creating an emphatic tone.\">Use the colon when the first sentence anticipates the second sentence or phrase, thereby creating an emphatic tone.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/mechanics\/punctuation\/colons\/#Use_colons_to_introduce_items_in_lists_detailed_examples_or_further_information\" title=\"Use colons to introduce items in lists, detailed examples, or further information.\">Use colons to introduce items in lists, detailed examples, or further information.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/mechanics\/punctuation\/colons\/#Use_a_colon_to_separate_a_complete_sentence_from_a_statement_that_explains_or_clarifies_the_first\" title=\"Use a colon to separate a complete sentence from a statement that explains or clarifies the first.\">Use a colon to separate a complete sentence from a statement that explains or clarifies the first.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/mechanics\/punctuation\/colons\/#Use_a_colon_to_separate_a_complete_sentence_from_a_noun_or_noun_phrase_that_further_identifies_or_explains_the_subject\" title=\"Use a colon to separate a complete sentence from a noun or noun phrase that further identifies or explains the subject.\">Use a colon to separate a complete sentence from a noun or noun phrase that further identifies or explains the subject.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/mechanics\/punctuation\/colons\/#Use_colons_to_introduce_quotes_that_are_not_being_introduced_in_another_way_such_as_with_that\" title=\"Use colons to introduce quotes that are not being introduced in another way, such as with that.\">Use colons to introduce quotes that are not being introduced in another way, such as with that.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/mechanics\/punctuation\/colons\/#Use_colons_for_ratios_time_and_certain_literary_verses\" title=\"Use colons for ratios, time, and certain literary verses\">Use colons for ratios, time, and certain literary verses<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_the_colon_when_the_first_sentence_anticipates_the_second_sentence_or_phrase_thereby_creating_an_emphatic_tone\"><\/span>Use the colon when the first sentence anticipates the second sentence or phrase, thereby creating an emphatic tone.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The colon provides a dramatic and somewhat underutilized way to bring a little spark to your writing. Beyond normal business correspondence (Dear Sir or Madam:), you can use the colon before quotations, formal statements and explanations. The colon enables you to highlight a semantic relationship&#8211;that is, a movement from a general statement to a specific clarification. The colon also provides a dramatic way to tease the reader&#8217;s curiosity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>As a modern ordeal by torture, litigation excels: It is exorbitantly expensive, agonizingly slow, and exquisitely designed to avoid any resemblance to fairness or justice.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also use the colon before an instruction or example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>An intelligent writer knows how to polish documents: revise the document countless times.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Although usage does differ, most stylists agree that you should not capitalize the first letter after the colon unless the colon is introducing a quotation or formal statement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You&#8217;ll be surprised by what his former employees wrote in the character report: &#8220;His attitude toward his new associates was rude and pretentious.&#8221; This sentence can easily be revised:<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Note that a colon must always follow an independent clause. You should never place a colon between a verb and its direct object. <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Incorrect: Our choices are: rescind our offer, go ahead with our plans, try to renegotiate the deal.<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Because the colon works as the equivalent to <em>for example<\/em> or <em>such as<\/em>, it would be redundant and incorrect to write<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Incorrect: We have a number of options, such as: a, b, c.<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Correct: We have three choices: a, b, c.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_colons_to_introduce_items_in_lists_detailed_examples_or_further_information\"><\/span>Use <strong>colons to introduce items in lists, detailed examples, or further information. <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Use a colon to separate a complete sentence from a list<\/strong> (of three items or more) <strong>that follows<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Jennifer was everything he wanted in a wife: intelligent, funny, and sexy.<\/p><p>He knew the best way to win her love: cook dinner every night.<\/p><p>The students brought items from the supply list to class: paper, pens, and highlighters.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Colons used this way replace <em>such as<\/em> or <em>for example<\/em>. To use both words and colon are redundant\u2014you need one or the other, but not both. Keep in mind that you only use a colon after a noun: you are giving more information about that person, place, or thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_a_colon_to_separate_a_complete_sentence_from_a_statement_that_explains_or_clarifies_the_first\"><\/span><strong>Use a colon to separate a complete sentence from a statement that explains or clarifies the first<\/strong>.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The college bookstore sells more than just textbooks: clothing and office supplies are also available for purchase there.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_a_colon_to_separate_a_complete_sentence_from_a_noun_or_noun_phrase_that_further_identifies_or_explains_the_subject\"><\/span><strong>Use a colon to separate a complete sentence from a noun or noun phrase that further identifies or explains the subject.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The librarian\u2019s primary interests drew him to the college library: love for books and a quest for knowledge.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_colons_to_introduce_quotes_that_are_not_being_introduced_in_another_way_such_as_with_that\"><\/span>Use <strong>colons to introduce quotes that are not being introduced in another way, such as with <em>that<\/em>.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The researcher reported on one of the consequences of homelessness: \u201cThose who live on the street were found to be vulnerable to a variety of communicable diseases.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Use colons to introduce block quotations, or quotes that go on for more than four lines of text.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Correct:<\/strong> The author claimed: &#8220;I didn&#8217;t intend to write the Great American Novel.&#8221;<\/p><p><strong>Incorrect:<\/strong> The author claimed <em>that<\/em>: \u201cI didn\u2019t intend to write the Great American Novel.\u201d Quotes introduced with <em>that<\/em> are considered embedded quotations, and they do not need to be introduced with a colon.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_colons_for_ratios_time_and_certain_literary_verses\"><\/span><strong>Use colons for ratios, time, and certain literary verses<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The verdict of 3:2 was recorded at 5:00 pm while some cited John 3:16.<\/p><p>Here, <em>3:2<\/em> refers to the vote in a trial\u2014three people voted one way, and two people voted the other way. <em>5:00<\/em> refers to the time that the event occurred. <em>John 3:16<\/em> is a Bible verse that some people like to put on signs.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":2162,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[],"chapters":[2094,1923],"class_list":["post-2191","section","type-section","status-publish","hentry","chapters-colons","chapters-grammar"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/2191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/section"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/2191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11475,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/2191\/revisions\/11475"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/2162"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2191"},{"taxonomy":"chapters","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapters?post=2191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}