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Understanding the Use of Colons in Writing: Grammar Mini-Lesson #32

This mini-lesson on the colon explains its primary function of introducing explanatory elements, such as lists. A colon is used correctly when it follows a complete sentence and replaces phrases like "such as" or "for example." It is essential to avoid using a colon with linking verbs or incomplete sentences to maintain clarity and correctness in writing. Examples illustrate proper and improper uses of the colon to help learners grasp its application effectively.

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Understanding the Use of Colons in Writing: Grammar Mini-Lesson #32

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  1. Colons: UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini- Lesson #32

  2. The colon is often used to introduce explanatory elements, often in the form of a list. The colon takes the place of such as, namely,or for example.

  3. The colon must be preceded by a complete sentence. • Correct: I hate this one course: English. • Notice the full sentence before the colon. • Note that your list may include only one word. • Incorrect: One course that I hate: English is the course I am failing. • The statement preceding the colon is not a full sentence.

  4. The colon takes the place of the following phrases: such as, for example, namely. Do not use these phrases in combination with the colon. Incorrect: Some mammals have no hair: namely, whales, porpoises, and bottle-nosed dolphins. Correct: Some mammals have no hair, namely, whales, porpoises, and bottle-nosed dolphins.

  5. Do not use a colon after a linking verb, which connects the subject to the complement. Incorrect:The three parts of a chemistry course are: lecture, recitation, and laboratory. Correct: There are three parts to the chemistry course: lecture, recitation, and laboratory.

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