AdministratorHow do you use a colon and semicolon in a list?
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.
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.
How many spaces should you have after a colon?
two spaces
What are the three semicolon rules?
Three Essential Semicolon Rules
- Rule 1: Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are closely related in theme.
- Rule 2: Use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases that join independent clauses.
When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?
Rule to Remember Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas. In this example, using a semicolon makes it easier to read the two independent clauses on either side of the coordinating conjunction: Correct: My dog is sick.
How do you capitalize a title with a colon?
Capitalization: First Word After a Colon In British English, the first letter after a colon is capitalized only if it’s a proper noun or an acronym; in American English, the first word after a colon is sometimes capitalized if it begins a complete sentence.
Should I use a colon or 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 are the rules for using a colon?
When to Use A Colon Within a Sentence or Paragraph
- The hard and fast rule is that a colon must ALWAYS follow a complete sentence.
- A colon is used after a full sentence or independent clause to introduce something that illustrates, clarifies, or amplifies what was said in the sentence that preceded the colon.
What are the rules for introducing a list with a colon?
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 Does a colon mean in English grammar?
The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. In such usage, the colon functions in much the same way as the semicolon. As with the semicolon, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless the word is ordinarily capitalized.
When should a semicolon be used examples?
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.
Can you end a paragraph with a colon?
Typically, a colon appears to end a paragraph if it’s introducing a block quotation or a list (which actually continues the paragraph as a logical matter despite the change in typesetting). Your first sentence is a good introductory sentence and should just start the paragraph where you tell the milk-crate story.
How do you list three things in a sentence?
Use commas to separate three or more items in a series. Lists of three or more words, phrases, and clauses require commas between each item.
How do you punctuate a list after a colon?
Is the first letter after a colon capitalized?
Here’s our suggestion: generally, the first word following the colon should be lower-cased if the words after the colon form a dependent clause (that is, if they could not stand on their own as a complete sentence). If the following phrase is a complete (independent) clause, you may choose to capitalize it or not.
When should you not use a colon?
Do not use a colon in a complete sentence after phrases such as “such as,” “including,” and “for example.” Because phrases like these already indicate to the reader that a list of examples will follow, there is no need to introduce them with a colon, which would merely be redundant.
How do you introduce a quote with a colon?
You can use a colon before a quotation when the quotation is at least one sentence. Having a quotation that is a full sentence (or more) is far more common than having an introduction that is an independent clause. For example: The minister said: “The next time I stand up here, I will have answers to these questions.”
How is a colon used in descriptive writing?
For Descriptions. To make a sentence more descriptive, you can add a colon followed by details about the sentence’s subject. This technique lets your sentences be more interesting and informative, like these examples: Everyone loved the school’s mascot: a shining warrior sitting on top of an armored horse.
How do you list after a colon?
When listing items one by one, one per line, following a colon, capitalization and ending punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases preceded by letters, numbers, or bullet points. If each point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end the sentence with appropriate ending punctuation.
Can I use semicolons to separate items in a list?
Items in lists are usually separated with commas. However, if the list items themselves contain commas, then semicolons can be used as separators to outrank those commas.
How do you end a list with a semicolon?
Use a semicolon to separate items in a list containing internal punctuation. Use a semicolon to join/separate closely related, complete sentences. The semicolon is stronger than a comma, but weaker than a period (full stop).