Use of the Colon
When to Use Colons
1.To introduce a list.
Three individuals won the local elections: Brent Daigle, Brooke Hogan, and Mickey Mouse.
Presented by Brent Daigle, Ph.D. (ABD)
When to Use Colons
1.To introduce a list.
The following cities were hit by heavy rains: Baton Rouge, Prairieville, and Shreveport.
Presented by Brent Daigle, Ph.D. (ABD)
Do not use colons if the list is the predicate of the sentence !!
[the predicate gives information about the subject]
My favorite colors are black and Navy Blue
2. To introduce a clause or phrase that expands, clarifies, or exemplifies the meaning of the clause before the colon.
The reason she makes good grades is obvious: she attends a study group each afternoon and completes her assignments on time.
Presented by Brent Daigle, Ph.D. (ABD)
2. to introduce a clause or phrase that expands, clarifies, or exemplifies the meaning of the clause before the colon.
The reason she did not go shopping at the mall was simple: lack of money.
Presented by Brent Daigle, Ph.D. (ABD)
2. to introduce a clause or phrase that expands, clarifies, or exemplifies the meaning of the clause before the colon.
One thing remained to be cleaned: the classroom.
Presented by Brent Daigle, Ph.D. (ABD)
3. To introduce quotations that are grammatically independent (that is, not simply part of the predicate) and that support or contribute to the preceding clause.
The immortal words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ran through my mind all day: “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Presented by Brent Daigle, Ph.D. (ABD)
If it’s the predicate of a sentence, use a comma (regardless of the length)!
Dr. King told the audience at the tenth annual Southern Christian Leadership Conference, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Presented by Brent Daigle, Ph.D. (ABD)
Lets try a few by ourselves!
You will need to bring three things to the party some food, something to drink, and a small gift for the hostess.
Presented by Brent Daigle, Ph.D. (ABD)
Lets try a few by ourselves!
I'll tell you what I'm going to do I'm going to quit!
Presented by Brent Daigle, Ph.D. (ABD)
Lets try a few by ourselves!
Elephant (noun) a large grey mammal found in Africa and India.
Presented by Brent Daigle, Ph.D. (ABD)