Quick Answer: What Does A Colon Do In Grammar?

How do you use a colon in a list?

Rule 1: Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is do not apply or are not appropriate.

Examples: You may be required to bring many items: sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing..

What are the two main uses of a semicolon?

Using SemicolonsA semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. … Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.More items…

When to use a colon or a semicolon?

Semicolons should introduce evidence or a reason for the preceding statement; for example, this sentence appropriately uses a semicolon. A colon, on the other hand, should be used for a stronger, more direct relationship. It should provide emphasis, an example, or an explanation.

What is the effect of using a colon?

Colon : Colons often introduce an explanation. The phrase that comes after the colon usually explains or expands on what came before it. It is also used before a list, quotation, answer or to provide contrast.

What are the two main uses of a colon?

ColonIntroducing a list. The colon is used to introduce a list of items. … Between independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. … Emphasis.

What Does a colon look like in writing?

The colon : is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots placed one above the other on the same vertical line. A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, a quotation, or a block quotation.

Are as follows Colon?

Although it’s not incorrect to use a period, a colon is conventionally used after “as follows… sentences instead of just one phrase or clause (6.63, “Lowercase or Capital Letter after a Colon”)….

What are the three semicolon rules?

Here are the rules for using semicolons correctly; we hope you’re taking notes.Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses. … Delete the Conjunction When You Use a Semicolon. … Use Semicolons in a Serial List. … Use Semicolons With Conjunctive Adverbs. … Use a Semicolon to Give a Wily Wink.

How do you use a colon example?

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….Examples:input data.write reports.complete tax forms.

When should I use a colon?

ColonsTo announce, introduce, or direct attention to a list, a noun or noun phrase, a quotation, or an example/explanation. You can use a colon to draw attention to many things in your writing. … To join sentences. … To express time, in titles, and as part of other writing conventions.

What do you use colons and semicolons for?

Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. Semicolons (;) are used to join two independent clauses, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences.

When should you use a semicolon in a sentence?

A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause. Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I’ll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.

What are some examples of semicolons?

Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not. The cat slept through the storm; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.

Can you use a colon and semicolon in the same sentence?

Colons and semicolons can be used in the same sentence, but they are each used for different purposes. … In this example, the colon is used to introduce the cities.

How do you use a semicolon in a list examples?

This time, the list items themselves contain commas. It is now appropriate to use semicolons as separators to outrank those commas. For example: I have been to Newcastle, Carlisle, and York in the North; Bristol, Exeter, and Portsmouth in the South; and Cromer, Norwich, and Lincoln in the East.

What’s the difference between a semicolon and a comma?

Commas are used especially as a mark of separation within the sentence; semicolons are used to connect independent clauses.

What are the three uses of a colon?

Use a colon after an ‘independent clause’ to introduce a list. … Use a colon between ‘independent clauses’ if the second summarizes, explains or amplifies the first. … Use a colon to introduce an appositive. … Use a colon to introduce a quotation.