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The Colon: a sentence gateway

The Colon: a sentence gateway. The colon comes at a point in the sentence where the sentence could come to a complete stop. I’m going to tell you the names of my favorite breakfast foods. We could even put a period after the word foods , couldn’t we? In fact, we did.

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The Colon: a sentence gateway

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  1. The Colon: a sentence gateway The colon comes at a point in the sentence where the sentence could come to a complete stop. I’m going to tell you the names of my favorite breakfast foods. We could even put a period after the word foods, couldn’t we? In fact, we did.

  2. The Colon: a sentence gateway We know, however, what’s going to come after this period. I’m going to tell you the names of my favorite breakfast foods. That’s right, a LIST of breakfast foods.

  3. The Colon: a sentence gateway I’m going to tell you the names of my favorite breakfast foods: cream of wheat, bran flakes, cornflakes, oatmeal, and grits. The proper punctuation mark to set off this list from what precedes it is a colon. The colon “announces” that a list is about to follow; it is the gateway to that list.

  4. However, let’s look again! Nick’s favorite breakfast foods are meuslix, cornflakes, oatmeal, grits, and yogurt on toast. Would I use a colon in the sentence above? No, because the sentence does not come to a halt here. Instead, the sentence flows right into the list. A colon would not be appropriate here.

  5. (1) *Use a colon to introduce a list of items. Examples: Bring the following items to class: paper, a pen, your textbook, and a ruler. Donald invited the following people: Elizabeth, Trina, and Christina. Your Turn: Shay bought the following items at Dillard’s a red cotton skirt, a plaid jacket, and a silk scarf. Shay bought the following items at Dillard’s: a red cotton skirt, a plaid jacket, and a silk scarf. Sam has visited various European countries Austria, Switzerland, France, and Holland. Sam has visited various European countries: Austria, Switzerland, France, and Holland. Rule No. 1:

  6. Note: Do not use a colon after a verb or preposition when introducing a list of items. Incorrect: Courtney will bring: cups, napkins, and plates. Correct: Courtney will bring cups, napkins, and plates. Yet, remember our exception to Rule Number One!

  7. (2) *Use a colon with time. Stephanie needs to be there at 8:15 A.M. Neil’s flight leaves at 9:30 P.M. (3) *Use a colon with Biblical references. Jessica read Genesis 3:15. And, More Rules:

  8. (4) *Use a colon after the salutation in a business letter. Dear Mr. Jones: Dear Sir or Madam: More colon usage:

  9. For his next fishing trip, Thomas will need the following his rod and reel, his tackle box, and a can of slimy worms and noisy crickets. For his next fishing trip, Thomas will need the following: his rod and reel, his tackle box, and a can of slimy worms and noisy crickets. Becky’s appointment is at 3 00 P.M. Becky’s appointment is at 3:00 P.M. Jessica said to read Matthew 3 14-20. Jessica said to read Matthew 3:14-20. Let’s Practice!

  10. The Colon: a sentence gateway CONGRATULATIONS! You have now mastered the uses of the colon, a very handy device in the punctuation of your sentences.

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