What is the proper way to use a colon?
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What is the proper way to use a colon?
The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. In such usage, the colon functions in much the same way as the semicolon. As with the semicolon, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless the word is ordinarily capitalized.
When should you not use a colon?
1. Do not use a colon in a complete sentence after phrases such as “such as,” “including,” and “for example.” Because phrases like these already indicate to the reader that a list of examples will follow, there is no need to introduce them with a colon, which would merely be redundant.
When should I use colon and semicolon?
- Semicolons. Use a semicolon to separate two related independent clauses (clauses that can stand as sentences on their own) that are not linked by a comma and coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, yet, and so).
- Colons. Use a colon to introduce a list.
- Dashes. A dash is typed as two hyphens.
What are some examples of colons?
Colons in Sentences
- There are two choices at this time: run away or fight.
- We knew who would win the game: the Eagles.
- He wanted to see three cities in Italy: Rome, Florence, and Venice.
- Here are three states that begin with M: Michigan, Mississippi, and Maine.
What can I use instead of a colon?
(3) The special conditions requiring a colon are absent. Here is a famous example: It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. A semicolon can always, in principle, be replaced either by a full stop (yielding two separate sentences) or by the word and (possibly preceded by a joining comma).
What is the difference between a colon and semicolon?
Colons introduce or define something. The primary use of semicolons is to join two main clauses. The difference between semicolons and colons is that colons can combine two independent clauses, but their primary use is to join independent clauses with a list or a noun.
