A colon is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots centered on the same vertical line.
How can colons be used?
- Introducing a list
Example: I need the following items from the grocery store: butter, sugar, and flour. - Introducing a single item
Example: I know exactly what made the sound: my cat. - Introducing an explanation
Example: Please do not come over for dinner: I am not feeling well. - Introducing speech
Example: She asked for help loudly over the speaker: “Is there a doctor on the plane?” - Between independent clauses when the second sentence explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence.
Example: The family planted the tree: it was a beautiful new addition to the yard.
Let’s practice! Correct the following and write what type of example it is:
- My friend shouted at me from across the parking lot “Don’t forget about our volleyball game tomorrow!”
Type: ____________ - I need to pass the following classes to become a registered nurse Pathophysiology, Critical Care, and Pharmacology.
Type: ____________ - Mark’s new bike was a very smooth ride he never felt and bumps on the road.
Type: ____________ - The mixing of the rain and the sun can create a beautiful phenomenon a rainbow.
Type: ____________ - Lisa skipped her presentation day she was too nervous to speak in front of the class.
Type: ____________