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Colons

Colons. Showing Sentence Divisions. The Colon. …is used to mark a major division in sentences. Uses:

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Colons

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  1. Colons Showing Sentence Divisions

  2. The Colon …is used to mark a major division in sentences. Uses: • Introducing a list, an appositive, a quotation, a summation, or an idea that somehow completes the introductory idea.(The colon can be in the above ways, however, only after an independent clause.) • In the salutation in a formal letter, to indicate hours and minutes, to show proportions, between a title and subtitle, to separate city and publisher in bibliographic entries, and between chapter and verse in biblical references. • In order to separate two independent clauses: the first of which explains the second.

  3. Examples • (List) The routine includes the following: twenty knee bends, fifty leg lifts, and five minutes of running in place. • (Appositive) My roommate is guilty of two of the seven deadly sins: gluttony and sloth. • (Quotation) Consider the words of J. F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” • (Salutation of business letter) Dear Sir or madam:

  4. Examples • (Title and Subtitle) Alvin Ailey: A Life in Dance • (Time) 5:30 p.m. • (Bible verses) Luke 2:14 • (Proportions) The ratio of men to women was 2:1. • (Bibliography) Boston: Bedford, 2004 • (Explanation) Their lobbying efforts were ultimately useless: the bill was soundly defeated.

  5. When Not to Use a Colon A colon should not be placed between a verb and its object or subject complement. • Wrong: Her neighbor lent her: a pup-tent, a wooden canoe, and a slightly battered Coleman stove. (colon between verb and objects) • Right: Her neighbor lent her a pup-tent, a wooden canoe, and a slightly battered Coleman stove. • Wrong: His three goals are: to improve his public speaking skills, to increase his self-confidence, and to sharpen his sales techniques. (colon between verb and subject complement) • Right: His three goals are to improve his public speaking skills, to increase his self-confidence and to sharpen his sales techniques.

  6. When Not to Use a Colon A colon should not be placed between a preposition and its object[s]. • Wrong: We traveled to: London, Wales, and Scotland. • Right: We traveled to London, Wales, and Scotland.

  7. When Not to Use a Colon A colon should not be placed after “such as,” “including,” or “for example.” • Wrong: The trees on campus include fine Japanese specimens such as: black pines, ginkgos, and cut-leaf maples. • Right: The trees on campus include fine Japanese specimens such as black pines, ginkgos, and cut-leaf maples.

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