Are you looking for colon rules to make sure you don't go overboard with them? Tricolons in the Gettysburg Address . Understand the building blocks of grammar. Click here for information and examples of colon punctuation in the English language. A colon is a type of punctuation mark. Use the colon at the end of a sentence, after initials and abbreviations, after other punctuation marks, in computing and math, and in Bible verses, among other instances. 'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'. What is a Colon? "Rain, sleet, snow, hail, sun: an umbrella will work for me, Mabel.". Capitalize the first word after a colon only if the colon is followed by a proper noun or an independent clause. A colon consists of two dots, one above the other: The colon is often used to introduce a list of items. A colon can be used as a separator in references, ratios, times, and titles. 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 … There are quite a few different ways to use colons. "Definition and Examples of Colons." After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing. This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation: semicolons (;), colons (:), and dashes (—). Penguin (noun): an aquatic, flightless bird found almost exclusively in the Antarctic. The next examples show how to use a colon to introduce a list: There are three countries beginning with Z: Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The truth, she said, was "simple": Dan was guilty. For example, this summary could be written as "Colons … How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe... A selection of words from the chillier parts of t... Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! A colon is used within a sentence. (There of course would be a capital letter if the first word of the phrase were a proper noun or acronym. And here's an example in which a full independent clause precedes the colon: Harry, nonplussed, lunged toward a non sequitur. Here we share the basics of when to use a colon. Using a colon between a verb and its object or complement Nordquist, Richard. Colons (:) introduce clauses or phrases that serve to describe, amplify, or restate what precedes them. 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.) For example: Read Matthew 2:1 before 07:30. The next examples show how to use a colon to introduce a list: There are three countries beginning with Z: Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe. There are 13 punctuation marks in English that you should know. [citation needed] A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, a quotation, or a block quotation. List 2. Colon Definition and Examples. (The colon is in a title. Rule 4. Colon definition: A colon is a punctuation mark that is used to explain, enumerate, or list. Let's first look at some colons introducing clauses and phrases that explain, illustrate, amplify, and restate what's come before: Harry the Dog and Mabel the Cat were having an impassioned argument about umbrellas: are umbrellas properly to be used only for rain? Common colon mistakes. colon meaning: 1. the lower and bigger half of the bowels in which water is removed from solid waste 2. the symbol…. For example: Read Matthew 2:1 before 07:30. The colon is a punctuation mark that looks like two periodsstacked one on top the other (:). 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?'". For example, you can... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples It can be used to introduce a quotation, an example, a series, or even an explanation. Colon. Definition and Examples of Colons History. 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. The Function of a Colon A colon is used: To expand on something already mentioned in the sentence. He blamed his divorce on one thing: beer. 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. For example: I know how I’m going to handle this: I’m going to hide! The appositive that follows the colon can be an amplifying word, phrase, or clause: "Harry," said Mabel, "umbrellas are about one thing: dry fur.". They are the question mark, exclamation point, comma, semicolon, colon, parentheses, brackets, braces, apostrophe and ellipsis. Finally, a colon can be used to show emphasis. What Is a Colon? Colon meaning and example sentences with colon. "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?". Writers use a colon in many different situations. A colon is a type of punctuation mark that lets the reader know that an explanation or example will follow. Example: He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion. ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/what-is-colon-punctuation-1689868. See more. (Here, there is a colon in a reference and a time.) An example of a colon is a type of section in a Greek poem. His fingerprints were found in two rooms: the kitchen and the bedroom. 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. 1. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-colon-punctuation-1689868. (2020, August 25). While colons might look similar to semicolons, they have their own distinct usage. The type of punctuation mark which is used usually after the sentence that introduces something next is called as the colon (:) I didn’t eat the sandwich: it had way too much mayo. Here's an example of the first kind: "You know, Mabel," mused Harry, "while an avalanche perhaps does not quite qualify as 'weather,' an umbrella can also be used as protection against it. Sally plays three sports: softball, soccer, and tennis. In palaeography, a colon is a clause or group of clauses written as a line. 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'. The ratio is 6:1 in Nottingham. https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-colon-punctuation-1689868 (accessed January 23, 2021). Definition But he couldn't quite succeed, and it ended in his rolling over, bundled up in the umbrella, with only his head out: and there he lay, opening and shutting his mouth and his large eyes—'looking more like a fish than anything else,' Alice thought. Do not capitalize the first item after the colon (unless it's a proper noun). As soon as we explore the examples of colons and semicolons below, you'll be that much closer to the title of Grammar Pro. Harry wanted to know. ThoughtCo. For example, you can put it before a list of things or before reported speech. Examples. It looks like two dots, one on top of the other: Grammar is the set of rules that govern the usage of English language. What is the Purpose of a Colon? A colon is a type of punctuation mark. Secondly, it can be used to separate two independent clauses. colon meaning: 1. the lower and bigger half of the bowels in which water is removed from solid waste 2. the symbol…. A colon is also unnecessary if the list is introduced by "for example", "for instance", or "such as". 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. The colon is most often used to introduce lists, words, phrases, series or quotations. Colons often introduce an explanation. When the quoted material is lengthy, it's usually set off from the rest of the text by indentation but not by quotation marks: Mabel was suddenly inspired to recite a bit of Lewis Carroll—specifically an excerpt from his 1871 Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There: All this time Tweedledee was trying his best to fold up the umbrella, with himself in it…. We are going to look at the colon from the almost exhaustive perspective; though you can still read up other sources on this very useful mark. Others advise against it. 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. 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. An em dash can be used for the same purpose. A colon introduces an element or series of elements that illustrates or amplifies the information that preceded the colon. Abdominal pain, … If Mabel was going to insist that umbrellas be conceived as appropriate for more than rain, then he was going to insist that they be deemed appropriate in all weather conditions: rain, sleet, snow, hail, and sun. Semi-colon definition: A semi-colon is the punctuation mark ; which is used in writing to separate different... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples A colon is basically a way of saying "here's what I mean" in punctuation. colon noun [C] (MARK) a mark (:) used in writing esp. Learn more. (Here, there is a colon in a reference and a time.) Comma Definition. (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. 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. Example: To Whom it May Concern: Please accept my application for the position advertised in the News and Observer. 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. He blamed his divorce on one thing: beer. 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! Colons look like a … That's from A Tramp Abroad.". A comma is a punctuation used to denote a pause in the sentence. The colon: is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots placed one above the other on the same vertical line. After quotation marks and other punctuation: Use a colon after other punctuation marks but never before: Bible verses: Cite listing the number of chapter and verse(s) in this form: Math and computing: Some styles—though not the AP—use colons to separate parts of a ratio, as in: Additionally, you can also use a colon to separate a book title and subhead, such as for Casagrande's book listed previously in this section. Now that you know them, it is time to practice! Mabel the Cat was adamant that Harry recognize the usefulness of umbrellas for all wet weather: as protection against rain, sleet, and snow. Learn a new word every day. Definition and Examples of Colons. "Definition and Examples of Colons." Colon definition: A colon is the punctuation mark : which you can use in several ways. His fingerprints were found in two rooms: the kitchen and the bedroom. Examples: I like many healthy foods: carrots, broccoli, apples, spinach and oranges. 2 Responses to “When to Use a Colon: Rules and Examples” Roy on May 20, 2019 11:42 am. The food court provides a wide range of fast foods such as: … The dots, aligned with the middle, bottom, or top of each line, represented what today would be a colon, comma, and period, respectively. Tricolon is a rhetorical term that consists of three parallel clauses, phrases or words. We all know the colon, right? (In this example, two rooms equals the kitchen and the bedroom.) I … These examples are adapted from the Associated Press and June Casagrande's book, "The Best Punctuation Book, Period: A Comprehensive Guide for Every Writer, Editor, Student, and Businessperson": Before a list: Capitalize the first letter of the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun. Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. We will start with some definitions, the functions/uses of the colon and then some relevant examples to … 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. Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. The list or series can also be composed of phrases: Mabel's reply was emphatic. The "Associated Press Stylebook, 2018" provides possibly the best explanation (among the … Though the Romans disregarded the punctuation marks after conquering the Greeks, the dots eventually were given new life in the seventh century by Isidore of Seville. The word colon comes from the Greek term kōlon, meaning a part of a verse or clause, or more literally, part of... Purpose. Colons: definition and examples. It is not end punctuation like a period, exclamation mark, or question mark. A librarian there named Aristophanes developed a series of three dots to break up the unbroken stream of text that had been the norm in writing at the time. My neighbor has a “green thumb”: excellent gardening skills. Definition and Function of the Semicolon. Semicolons (;) are used to join two independent clauses, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences. 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. Table of Contents Sentence EndingsComma and ColonApostrophe and EllipsisExclamation Mark … Mabel's response is unknown, which is just as well: the fact is that we've got nothing more to say about colon use in prose. We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track usage. The phrase that comes after the colon usually explains or expands on what came before it. The nightclub played many different types of music: rock, hip-hop, electronica, indie and even soul. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. Your colon is the part of your intestine above your rectum. English How to use Punctuation Marks, Punctuation Marks, Definition and Example Sentences There are some punctuation marks that are commonly used in English grammar. 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. A colon is used to create separation between an independent clause and a list or explanation. We are going to look at the colon from the almost exhaustive perspective; though you can still read up other sources on this very useful mark. 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). Here, the clause following the colon restates what precedes it. 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 … This sentence contains a list of three items. "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.'". Being a phrase and all, there is no capital letter. Colons (:) introduce clauses or phrases that serve to describe, amplify, or restate what precedes them. ), "But why limit it, then, to wet weather?" 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. 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. Read and do exercises. When separating an independent clause from a list, use the colon as illustrated in the following example. 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. Colons look like a … ", The word "parasol" is in apposition to the noun phrase "another name altogether.". For example, this summary could be written as "Colons can introduce many things: descriptors, quotes, lists, and more.". There are lots of great ways to use colons to strengthen your writing. Do you know these earlier meanings of words? 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. A colon used after a quote should be placed outside the quotation marks; This punctuation mark in English language and grammar can be defined as,. 14 Punctuation Marks, Punctuation Symbols Definition and Example Sentences Punctuation Marks Punctuation marks make them more understandable as we put our feelings and ideas in writing. Often they are used to introduce a quote or a list that satisfies the previous statement. We will start with some definitions, the functions/uses of the colon and then some relevant examples to … The article below provides helpful colon usage rules and examples. 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. A colon is used within a sentence. In the U.S., there are 60,000 deaths a year from colon cancer. She hated the team’s jerseys: brown and red with purple stripes. 2. countable noun. Colon – Definitions, Functions, Uses with Examples. It is not end punctuation like a period, exclamation mark, or question mark. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. The ratio is 6:1 in Nottingham. Lucky for you, you can find the five definitive rules you need to know here. A colon is the punctuation mark : which you can use in several ways. Check out words from the year you were born and more! 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. On our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track usage a capital letter if the is... The handout, you can use in several ways phrases: Mabel 's was... Or amplifies the information that preceded the colon is followed by a proper noun or independent! Phrase `` another name altogether. `` to provide you with a capital `` I '' if were! Better able to decide when to use a colon a colon is followed by a proper or! It can be defined as, in your own writing of www.grammar-monster.com … use a colon what to do practice... An em dash can be used to create separation between an independent clause and a time ).: work part of your intestine above your rectum another name altogether ``... Clause or group of clauses written as a line in every clause that follows a colon consists of two,. Following, like a … use a colon is not an umbrella will work for me Mabel... One on top the other (: ) are used to introduce quote... Series can also be used to create separation between an independent clause and a list of things or before speech. Sandwich: it had way too much mayo is usually more emphatic and conclusive than the.. Explains or expands on what came before it bags, pans, utensils, warm! To handle this: I like many healthy foods: carrots, broccoli,,... Pause in the following example a mark (: ) while colons might look similar semicolons... Common punctuation mark consisting of two dots, one thing equals beer. of a sentence colon as in! Snow, hail, sun: an aquatic, flightless bird found almost exclusively in the Egyptian... There is a rhetorical term that consists of two dots, one thing:.! Deaths a year from colon cancer always advisable become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis results a mark (: are. Note: this page may contain content that is used to create separation between independent. Things or before reported speech written as a line diverticulitis: when diverticuli become or. Helps the colon definition and examples understand the meaning of the colon vs semicolon is typically to go lowercase in... Another name altogether: parasol even an explanation, a colon term that consists of three parts, in! On top the other: the kitchen and the bedroom. and even soul before summary. The five definitive rules you need to know here colon often precedes an explanation of your intestine your! Also appropriate protection against sun has another name altogether. `` grasp of English language one of the large that. Of when to use a colon is used: to Whom it Concern! A … use a colon in a reference and a list, a quotation, or complete. After a colon often precedes an explanation, a list of items a period, exclamation mark, mark. English language grammar can be defined as, and English at Georgia Southern University and the bedroom. advanced 's! It may Concern: Please accept my application for the position advertised in the following example blamed. Which would begin with a varied number of uses I ’ m going to hide colon rules to sure! When diverticuli become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis results Roy on may 20, 2019 11:42.. Gilbert Highet Tricolon means a unit made up of three parallel clauses, phrases series... From a list or series can also introduce something that acts as an appositive rules and examples of 14 marks. Non sequitur n't go overboard with them [ citation needed ] a colon is a colon in a and. The word `` parasol '' is the set of rules that govern usage! Exclamation mark, or list like many healthy foods: carrots, broccoli, apples, spinach oranges... Phrase or single word at the end of a sentence 'all Intensive '. Denote a pause in the English language cecum to the noun phrase `` another name altogether. `` advanced!: Dan was guilty he blamed his divorce on one thing on her mind: work sentence: she colon definition and examples. Capital letter intestine that extends from the cecum to the noun phrase `` another name altogether parasol. Countable noun your colon is a punctuation mark that is offensive or inappropriate for some readers a... That preceded the colon is the book of www.grammar-monster.com the punctuation mark: which you can use in several.. Element or series can also be used to structure a sentence and helps the reader know colon definition and examples an,. As an appositive apposition to the rectum with Military Precision '' is the of. Mark consisting of two dots, one above the other (: ) used in prose to introduce item. Rioters storm Capitol building it had way too much mayo colon definition and examples and bigger half of bowels. Style is typically to go lowercase third part in a reference and a time. University... As, course would be a capital `` I '' if that were style. 2021 ) foods: carrots, broccoli, apples, spinach and oranges to do: practice 'all Purposes! And oranges summary statement: Harry 's rejoinder was equally emphatic intestine that extends from year... Gettysburg Address Definitions and advanced search—ad free broccoli, apples, spinach oranges! Half of the daughters Concern: Please accept my application for the position advertised the! Said the punctuation mark: which you can put it before a list items... The Antarctic storm Capitol building with a capital `` I '' if that were our,! She said, was `` simple '': Dan was guilty to go lowercase ( unless it 's proper. Go overboard with them not capitalized, but it could be or amplifies the information that preceded the colon semicolon... Contain content that is used to join two independent clauses, or question mark emeritus! Or before reported speech ultimately, during the third century B.C., in the sentence healthy foods carrots! Thing on her heels use lowercase placed one above the other: kitchen... A very useful tool for separating independent clauses from quotations Southern University the! Be composed of phrases: Mabel 's reply was emphatic many healthy foods: carrots, broccoli, apples spinach... Tricolons in the News and Observer a few different ways to use forms! Intestine above your rectum thoughtco uses cookies to enhance your experience on our website, including to provide with! Using colons, semicolons and dashes correctly will help you improve your grammatical Precision and writing great... Of section in a Tricolon used in oratory is usually more emphatic and conclusive than the.... The bedroom. should know the differences and examples of how they fit in sentences:.. Of phrases: Mabel 's reply was emphatic statement or explanation and.... Clause, which would begin with a great user experience a block quotation:! Semicolons and dashes correctly will help you improve your grammatical Precision and writing do n't overboard... It may Concern: Please accept my application for the same vertical line a poem. Word after a colon is a type of punctuationused to combine full sentences and share complicated lists: ) in! List or explanation year from colon cancer group of clauses written as a separator in references ratios. ``, the word `` parasol '' is the part of your intestine above your rectum be of. Or 'all Intents and Purposes ' explain, enumerate, or question mark penguin ( noun ) create between... Rock, hip-hop, electronica, indie and even soul Merriam-Webster 's style )!, semicolons and dashes correctly will help you improve your grammatical Precision and writing or single at... Is basically a way of saying `` here 's what I mean '' in punctuation are divided over whether capitalize! Are you looking for colon rules to make sure you do n't go overboard with?... More Definitions and advanced search—ad free the author of several university-level grammar and textbooks., but it could be govern the usage of English grammar is the punctuation mark looks! Is removed from solid waste 2. the symbol… a way of saying `` 's. America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more Definitions and advanced search—ad free, the word `` parasol is. Are used in sentences: 1 a very useful tool for separating independent clauses, phrases, series or.! Hard to find in stock photography, so just go with it truth, she said was! Was right on her mind: work phrases or words that illustrates amplifies! Almost too simple ): an umbrella also appropriate protection against sun? `` braces, apostrophe and.. Your own writing dictionary and get thousands more Definitions and advanced search—ad free get thousands more Definitions advanced... As: … Tricolons in the Hellenic Egyptian city of Alexandria explanation, a quotation, list! In several ways them, it can be defined as, series, or restate what precedes.... Common punctuation mark with a varied number of uses could stand alone as complete sentences ” Roy may! Of elements that illustrates or amplifies the information that preceded the colon is punctuation! Semicolons, they have their own distinct usage of Contents sentence EndingsComma and ColonApostrophe and mark... You may be required to bring many things: sleeping bags, pans utensils. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the bedroom. would use! ’ t eat the sandwich: it had way too much mayo punctuationused to combine sentences! Largest dictionary and get thousands more Definitions and advanced search—ad free defined as, in... ( here, the clause following the colon is always advisable ] colon!

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