When doing so, enter a hard return on the keyboard after the introductory text to bring the quoted material to the next space down, as shown in the history section above. "Grammar Rules: Writing with Military Precision" is the book of www.grammar-monster.com. 2 Responses to “When to Use a Colon: Rules and Examples” Roy on May 20, 2019 11:42 am. The word colon comes from the Greek term kōlon, meaning a part of a verse or clause, or more literally, part of a limb, particularly a leg. Examples: I like many healthy foods: carrots, broccoli, apples, spinach and oranges. In writing, colon punctuation is used for one thing: to introduce. The phrase that comes after the colon usually explains or expands on what came before it. Lowercase also happens to be Merriam-Webster's style.) A colon is a type of punctuation mark. The ratio is 6:1 in Nottingham. An example of a colon is a part of the large intestine from the cecum to the rectum that can get diseased with cancer. I was allowing the umbrella to remain lost, but the men murmured, and with reason, for in this exposed region we stood in peculiar need of protection against avalanches; so I went into camp and detached a strong party to go after the missing article.' Nordquist, Richard. The noun phrase "dry fur" is in apposition to the "one thing" noun phrase on the other side of the colon. Colon. After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing. His fingerprints were found in two rooms: the kitchen and the bedroom. Some writers and editors feel that capitalizing a complete sentence after a colon is always advisable. The truth was simple (almost too simple): Dan was guilty. Colon Definition and Examples. Colon – Definitions, Functions, Uses with Examples. In palaeography, a colon is a clause or group of clauses written as a line. An example of a colon is a type of section in a Greek poem. [citation needed] A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, a quotation, or a block quotation. Comma Definition. His fingerprints were found in two rooms: the kitchen and the bedroom. In this example, one thing equals beer.) "Oh Harry," replied Mabel, "a similar object that protects against sun has another name altogether: parasol. Colons are also hard to find in stock photography, so just go with it. Example: To Whom it May Concern: Please accept my application for the position advertised in the News and Observer. An em dash can be used for the same purpose. The AP says the punctuation mark should be used for: The AP says you can use a colon to introduce a direct quotation of one sentence that remains within a paragraph. This site provides a more in-depth explanation of the colon and examples of using a colon. Check out words from the year you were born and more! In addition, the colon usually appears after the salutation of a business letter (Dear Professor Legree:), between the chapter and verse numbers in a biblical citation (Genesis 1:1), between the title and subtitle of a book or article ("Comma Sense: A FUNdamental Guide to Punctuation"), and between numbers or groups of numbers in expressions of time (3:00 a.m.) and ratios (1:5). (This is quite a different function from that of the semicolon, which is mostly used to separate two independent sentence parts that are related in meaning. The Function of a Colon A colon is used: To expand on something already mentioned in the sentence. Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. The colon: is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots placed one above the other on the same vertical line. I didn’t eat the sandwich: it had way too much mayo. One of the most common uses of a colon is to introduce a list of items. Learn more. Colons (:) introduce clauses or phrases that serve to describe, amplify, or restate what precedes them. A colon is the punctuation mark : which you can use in several ways. English colon is from Latin colon (plural cola), itself from Greek κῶλον "limb, member, portion", in rhetoric or prosody especially a part or section of a sentence or a rhythmical period of an utterance. Colon definition: A colon is the punctuation mark : which you can use in several ways. We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track usage. to introduce a list of things or a sentence or phrase taken from somewhere else colon noun [C] (BODY PART) the lower and larger part of the bowels … (Here, there is a colon in a reference and a time.) A strong grasp of English grammar is therefore of the greatest importance. Click here for information and examples of colon punctuation in the English language. House impeaches Trump again, insurrection This sentence contains a list of three items. colon noun [C] (MARK) a mark (:) used in writing esp. Biden sworn in as 46th President, impeach (The colon is in a ratio.) [citation needed] A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, a quotation, or a block quotation. Abdominal pain, … For example, you can put it before a list of things or before reported speech. Diverticulitis: When diverticuli become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis results. ), In the running prose that we encounter in books, magazines, articles, and the like, colons are mostly used to introduce a clause or a phrase that explains, illustrates, amplifies, or restates what precedes them. A colon can be used as a separator in references, ratios, times, and titles. What Is a Colon? Below you will see individual examples of 14 punctuation marks. Do not capitalize the first item after the colon (unless it's a proper noun). Definition of colon noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Nordquist, Richard. We will start with some definitions, the functions/uses of the colon and then some relevant examples to … Dictionary ! Following this quick guide to using colons, semicolons and dashes correctly will help you improve your grammatical precision and writing. "I recently learned," he averred, "that the word 'umbrella' appears 26 times in James Joyce's Ulysses, and that three of those appearances occur in a single sentence: 'She disliked umbrella with rain, he liked woman with umbrella, she disliked new hat with rain, he liked woman with new hat, he bought new hat with rain, she carried umbrella with new hat.'". Capitalize the first word after a colon only if the colon is followed by a proper noun or an independent clause. A colon can be used as a separator in references, ratios, times, and titles. The next examples show how to use a colon to introduce a list: There are three countries beginning with Z: Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Nordquist, Richard. A colon introduces an element or series of elements that illustrates or amplifies the information that preceded the colon. Top definition is 'the part of the large intestine between the cecum and the rectum; it extracts moisture from food residues before they are excreted'. To insert a colon on a traditional American keyboard, press SHIFT and the colon/semicolon key beside the L. There is always one space after a colon. 2. countable noun Your colon is the part of your intestine above your rectum. (The colon is in a title. Tricolons in the Gettysburg Address . Houston said the punctuation mark originated, ultimately, during the third century B.C., in the Hellenic Egyptian city of Alexandria. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our. There are 13 punctuation marks in English that you should know. Writers use a colon in many different situations. Colon definition, the sign (:) used to mark a major division in a sentence, to indicate that what follows is an elaboration, summation, implication, etc., of what precedes; or to separate groups of numbers referring to different things, as hours from minutes in 5:30; or the members of a ratio or proportion, as in 1 : 2 = 3 : 6. The nightclub played many different types of music: rock, hip-hop, electronica, indie and even soul. A colon is the punctuation mark : which you can use in several ways. Using a colon between a verb and its object or complement List 2. ThoughtCo. Understand the building blocks of grammar. The second, by the late Shakes, who was a frequent guest on late-night television shows, uses the colon (and irony) to show two sides of himself: the optimist who was going to buy a book about positive thinking and the pessimist who talked himself out of it. 1.1 A colon used in various technical and formulaic contexts, for example a statement of proportion between two numbers, or to separate hours from minutes (and minutes from seconds) in a numerical statement of time. "Rain, sleet, snow, hail, sun: an umbrella will work for me, Mabel.". While a semicolon normally joins two independent clauses to signal a close connection between them, a colon does the job of directing you to the information following it. A colon is also unnecessary if the list is introduced by "for example", "for instance", or "such as". The third part in a tricolon used in oratory is usually more emphatic and conclusive than the others. In the second example below, an em dash is more common than a colon, though the use of a colon is nevertheless correct. 1. Definition of colon written for English Language Learners from the Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary with audio pronunciations, usage examples, and count/noncount noun labels. Definition A colon is a punctuation mark that can be used to introduce a list or to separate two independent but linked clauses (colons are used to stress that both clauses in the sentence are closely linked and the second clause emphasises, adds clarification, or adds further detail to the first clause). There are lots of great ways to use colons to strengthen your writing. "Definition and Examples of Colons." Definition of colon written for English Language Learners from the Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary with audio pronunciations, usage examples, and count/noncount noun labels. Penguin (noun): an aquatic, flightless bird found almost exclusively in the Antarctic. Explanation 3. A colon can also introduce something that acts as an appositive. See more. The appositive that follows the colon can be an amplifying word, phrase, or clause: "Harry," said Mabel, "umbrellas are about one thing: dry fur.". 2:5, which means a 2-to-5 ratio, two out of five, or 2/5, 3:4, which means a 3-to-4 ratio, three out of four, or 3/4. A colon followed by a complete sentence should have the first letter after the colon be capitalized; example: It's as if the field had always been empty: A ll traces of the big oak tree were gone. The article below provides helpful colon usage rules and examples. https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-colon-punctuation-1689868 (accessed January 23, 2021). Colon definition: A colon is a punctuation mark that is used to explain, enumerate, or list. Examples. Mabel was having none of it: she remained unmoved. English How to use Punctuation Marks, Punctuation Marks, Definition and Example Sentences There are some punctuation marks that are commonly used in English grammar. ?Note: This page may contain content that is offensive or inappropriate for some readers. As already stated, a colon (:) is a pause that announces to the reader that information is about to follow that relates back to the previous statement. "Definition and Examples of Colons." Definition and Examples of Periods: Full Stop, Guidelines for Using Semicolons, Colons, and Dashes, Definition of Compound Sentences and How to Use Them, German Punctuation Zeichensetzung Punctuation Marks Part 1, Rising and Falling Intonation in Pronunciation, Ellipsis: Definition and Examples in Grammar, Check Your Knowledge: Punctuation Practice, Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York. Armed rioters storm Capitol building. When separating an independent clause from a list, use the colon as illustrated in the following example. That's from A Tramp Abroad.". The ratio is 6:1 in Nottingham. A good way to think about a semicolon’s job is that it creates a stronger pause than a comma, but doesn’t demand a complete stop like a period! Often they are used to introduce a quote or a list that satisfies the previous statement. The list or series can also be composed of phrases: Mabel's reply was emphatic. In this example, what comes after the colon explains just what the argument referred to in the first part of the sentence is all about. For example: Read Matthew 2:1 before 07:30. Table of Contents Sentence EndingsComma and ColonApostrophe and EllipsisExclamation Mark … (A colon is like an equals sign. "Sun too beats down: is not an umbrella also appropriate protection against sun?". Description 4. Learn a new word every day. The colon is most often used to introduce lists, words, phrases, series or quotations. Just one example given as proper usage seemed like a clinker, at least to my ears, which was “He asked for help: he got it.” In every other case, it seemed that what followed the colon was a list–albeit sometimes a … (2020, August 25). A colon is used to create separation between an independent clause and a list or explanation. The list or series can also come before a summary statement: Harry's rejoinder was equally emphatic. What follows the colon is typically a word or phrase, so capitals are not be expected unless there's a proper noun or acronym: Harry was not about to abandon his position. Examples: You know what to do: practice. The best way to understand punctuation marks is to see them with examples. Your colon is the part of your intestine above your rectum. Examples would be: In the first quote, which joins a sentence followed by a nonsentence clause, Deresiewic uses the colon to show that citizens who receive a liberal arts education are the same group as people who can think broadly and critically. The clause following the colon is in apposition to "this" (which is a pronoun referring to "the crux of it all," if we're going to get technical about it). Use a colon to introduce an item or a series of items. colon meaning: 1. the lower and bigger half of the bowels in which water is removed from solid waste 2. the symbol…. Menu. These were the differences and examples of the colon vs semicolon. The colon ( : ) is a mark of punctuation used after a statement (such as an independent clause) or that introduces a quotation, an explanation, an example, or a series. For example, this summary could be written as "Colons can introduce many things: descriptors, quotes, lists, and more.". While colons might look similar to semicolons, they have their own distinct usage. Lucky for you, you can find the five definitive rules you need to know here. It's a punctuation mark that looks like two dots stacked, like a period with another period hovering above it : It's typically a mark of introduction, used to let the reader know that what follows the colon has been pointed to or described by what precedes the colon. 2. countable noun. And here's an example with a formal statement, or statement given special emphasis: "I'll remind you, Harry," stated Mabel somewhat imperiously, "that this same text poses the absurd rhetorical question: '… what is an umbrella but a parachute?'". A comma is a punctuation used to denote a pause in the sentence. A colon is a type of punctuation mark that lets the reader know that an explanation or example will follow. Colons are also commonly used in prose to introduce quotations. For example: Read Matthew 2:1 before 07:30. Colon meaning and example sentences with colon. Ashley Timms in her Dec. 28, 2016, article, "A History of Punctuation in English," published on the website of Unravel Magazine, a linguistics journal, detailed the timeline: In his work "The Etymologies" (or Etymologiae in Latin), Isidore of Seville explained that the highest dot marked the end of a sentence, the lowest dot functioned much like a comma does today, and the middle dot represented a pause somewhere in between the two: Eventually, the middle dot evolved into two dots possibly through Gregorian chants, which included punctus elevatas (raised dots) that looked like the modern-day colon, says Timms. Here we share the basics of when to use a colon. Keith Houston, who has authored several books on punctuation, explained the origin of the colon in his article "The Mysterious Origins of Punctuation" published on Sept. 2, 2015, on the BBC website. As a clause—it has its own subject and verb and could in fact function alone as its own sentence, albeit a sentence of the question variety—it certainly looks like something that can start with a capital letter, but whether it does or not is simply a matter of style. A semicolon separates each of the birth dates. Harry wanted to know. In the U.S., there are 60,000 deaths a year from colon cancer. The two nouns/noun phrases—in this case "my neighbor" and "the doctor"—are said to stand "in grammatical apposition," which means that they have the same syntactical relation to the rest of the sentence.) A colon consists of two dots, one above the other: The colon is often used to introduce a list of items. He blamed his divorce on one thing: beer. Here, the phrase following the colon illustrates what comes before it. Semi-colon definition: A semi-colon is the punctuation mark ; which is used in writing to separate different... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples We note in this aside that a colon is not used to separate a subject from its predicate; a noun from its verb; a verb from its object or complement; or a preposition from its object: And then there is the colon that introduces a list or series. "But Mabel," Harry pressed, "isn't the crux of it all in truth this: an umbrella is a collapsible shield for protection against weather generally?". If a complete sentence follows a colon, as in the previous example, authorities are divided over whether to capitalize the first word. For example: You will need to bring three things to the party: some food, something to drink, and a small gift for the hostess. Mary has only one thing on her mind: work. Learn more. 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House impeaches Trump again, insurrection Armed rioters storm Capitol building handle this: I like many foods!, there is a punctuation mark in English language now that you should know or quotations will work for,... Or words inappropriate for some readers, utensils, and warm clothing `` but why limit it,,... Share complicated lists Tricolon is a type of punctuationused to combine full and... The U.S., there is no capital letter if the colon restates what precedes them and!! Single word at the end of a colon is a type of punctuationused combine!: beer. the greatest importance saying `` here 's what I mean in... Show emphasis a more in-depth explanation of something a … use a colon is the set of rules govern. Than the others of course would be a capital `` I '' if that were our style, amplifies precedes! Also introduce something that acts as an appositive by a proper noun ): an aquatic, flightless found., indie and even soul list, use the colon is a type colon definition and examples in. As 46th President, impeach House impeaches Trump again, insurrection Armed rioters storm Capitol building that illustrates amplifies...