What are the rules for using a colon?

What are the rules for using a colon?

The hard and fast rule is that a colon must ALWAYS follow a complete sentence. Do not use a colon after a sentence fragment, ever. 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.

How do you tell if a colon is used correctly?

A colon is nearly always preceded by a complete sentence; what follows the colon may or may not be a complete sentence, and it may be a mere list or even a single word. A colon is not normally followed by a capital letter in British usage, though American usage often prefers to use a capital.

Which use of a colon is incorrect?

1. 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.

What is an example of a sentence with a semicolon?

Semicolons Separate Clauses

Here’s an example: I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight. The two clauses in that sentence are separated by a semicolon and could be sentences on their own if you put a period between them instead: I have a big test tomorrow.

When should you not use a colon?

Can you put a colon after a verb?

A colon should not separate a noun from its verb, a verb from its object or subject complement, a preposition from its object, or a subject from its predicate.

Why use a colon instead of a comma?

Use colons to introduce quotations after an independent clause. Use a comma when introducing quotations after a dependent clause. WRONG: Jodie said: “I think you are the coolest person I know.” RIGHT: Jodie told me a secret: “I think you are the coolest person I know.”

What are the 3 semicolon rules?

3 Ways to Use a Semicolon

• Use a semicolon to connect related independent clauses. An independent clause is a sentence that communicates a complete thought and makes sense on its own.
• Use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase.
• Use semicolons to separate items in a list.

What are the 4 semicolon rules?

Here are the rules for using semicolons correctly; we hope you’re taking notes.

• 1 Semicolons connect related independent clauses.
• 2 Delete the conjunction when you use a semicolon between two independent clauses.
• 3 Use semicolons in a serial list.
• 4 Use semicolons with conjunctive adverbs.
• 5 Use a semicolon to give a wink.

How do you tell if a sentence is punctuated correctly?

English Grammar: How to punctuate the sentence correctly! (Basic )

What are some examples of colons?

Colons in Sentences

• There are two choices at this time: run away or fight.
• We knew who would win the game: the Eagles.
• He wanted to see three cities in Italy: Rome, Florence, and Venice.
• Here are three states that begin with M: Michigan, Mississippi, and Maine.

What are the 5 punctuation rules?

This can vary between different citation styles, so double check your style guide for accuracy. Place periods and commas inside quotation marks. Place semicolons and colons outside quotation marks. Place question marks or exclamation points inside the quotation marks if they punctuate the quotation only.

What is the best punctuation checker?

Best Free Punctuation Checker and Corrector Apps (2020)

• Grammarly. Grammarly is one of the best free grammar and punctuation checker and corrector tools on the internet.
• WhiteSmoke.
• Ginger Punctuation Checker.
• ProWritingAid.
• PaperRater.

What Does a colon in grammar look like?

A colon is a punctuation mark that introduces or points to other directly related text. It looks like two dots, one on top of the other (:) and always has a space after it. Colons come after independent clauses. They can’t split a noun from a verb, and they can’t break up a clause or a phrase.

What are the 13 basic punctuation rules in English?

They are the period, question mark, exclamation point, comma, semicolon, colon, dash, hyphen, parentheses, brackets, braces, apostrophe, quotation marks, and ellipsis.
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British vs. American English.

Do you put a comma before but?

When Do You Need a Comma Before But? You should put a comma before but only when but is connecting two independent clauses. I would go for a walk, but it’s raining outside. Here’s a tip: Commas can be tricky, but they don’t have to trip you up.

Is there a space after a colon?

In modern English-language printing, no space is placed before a colon and a single space is placed after it. In French-language typing and printing, the traditional rules are preserved. One or two spaces may be and have been used after a colon.

What are three dots called?

ellipsis
You see those dots? All three together constitute an ellipsis. The plural form of the word is ellipses, as in “a writer who uses a lot of ellipses.” They also go by the following names: ellipsis points, points of ellipsis, suspension points. We’re opting for ellipsis points here, just to make things crystal clear.

Is there a comma after however?

However at the Beginning of a Sentence
Put a comma after however if you’re using it as a conjunctive adverb to introduce a contrast, and it is followed by an independent clause (a clause that could be used as a complete sentence).

How do you use commas correctly?

Comma Use

1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.

Should there be a space between a word and a colon?

Why do you put 3 dots after a sentence?

Those little dots often found in a sentence or quote are called an ellipsis. The term ellipsis comes from the Greek word meaning ‘omission,’ and that’s just what it does: an ellipsis shows that something has been left out.

What do 3 vertical dots mean?

vertical ellipsis (plural vertical ellipses) The character “⋮”. An ellipsis (three dots) vertically aligned. It is sometimes used to communicate the continuation of a list vertically as opposed to horizontally.

Can I start a sentence with therefore?

Using therefore is perfectly acceptable as long as you partner it with the right punctuation, although it can get a bit confusing as it does have different uses. You can put it in the middle of a sentence with two commas, and it can also be placed at the start of a sentence.

What are 10 examples of comma sentences?

2. Examples of Comma Use

• The pet store has cats, dogs, hamsters, fish, and turtles. Listing things.
• I really wanted cereal this morning, but I didn’t have any milk. Connecting clauses.
• Well, if you really want pancakes, I guess I can make them. Creating pauses.