What are the rules for using a colon?

What are the rules for using a colon?

The hard and fast rule is that a colon must ALWAYS follow a complete sentence. Do not use a colon after a sentence fragment, ever. A colon is used after a full sentence or independent clause to introduce something that illustrates, clarifies, or amplifies what was said in the sentence that preceded the colon.

How do you use a colon in academic writing?

Rule 2: Colons can be used to explain, summarise or extend the meaning in a sentence by introducing a word, phrase or clause that enlarges on the previous statement. Rule 3: Colons are used to separate the title from the subtitle. Rule 4: Colons can be used to introduce a quotation in formal academic writing.

How do you punctuate a list after a colon?

When listing items one by one, one per line, following a colon, capitalization and ending punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases preceded by letters, numbers, or bullet points. If each point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end the sentence with appropriate ending punctuation.

Can a colon be used in a salutation?

In business emails, the most formal way of ending a salutation is with a colon. So instead of “Dear Mrs. Johnson,” you should write “Dear Mrs. Johnson:” and then continue with the body of the message.

What is the purpose of semicolon?

Semicolons with independent clauses Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.

How do you punctuate a list?

lower-case letters or capitals at the start of each list item. punctuation after each list item….The Right Way to Punctuate Lists

1. a comma or no punctuation for lists that do not contain the main verb.
2. a full stop after each sentence for lists that contain at least one item with multiple sentences.
3. a semicolon otherwise.

When do you use a colon as punctuation?

To announce,introduce,or direct attention to a list,a noun or noun phrase,a quotation,or an example/explanation.

To join sentences. You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes,sharpens,or explains the first.

To express time,in titles,and as part of other writing conventions.

When should a colon be used in punctuation?

Rule 4. A colon instead of a semicolon may be used between independent clauses when the second sentence explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence. Example: He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion.

How to use “colon” in a sentence?

Lists. Colons can be used to set off a list. In this instance,think of colons as saying,”Here’s what I mean.”

Quotes. Colons can also be used to introduce a quotation of someone else’s words. Typically,there will be some sort of introduction to those words.

Independent Clauses. And finally,colons can be used to separate two independent clauses.

How do you use colon in a sentence?

Use the colon at the end of a sentence, after initials and abbreviations, after other punctuation marks, in computing and math, and in Bible verses, among other instances. At the end of a sentence: Use the colon instead of a period when the two clauses have a connection such that a period would be too hard of a break.