Colons for Introducing Items

Front

What is the purpose of a colon in a sentence?

Back

A colon is used to introduce a list, a quotation, an explanation, or an appositive.

Front

How is a colon used to introduce an appositive?

Back

A colon is used before an appositive to provide additional information about a noun, as in 'Mars has another name: the Red Planet.'

Front

What is an example of using a colon to introduce a quotation?

Back

An example is: 'She had an urgent message: "I will be there soon."'

Front

How can a colon be used to introduce a question?

Back

A colon can precede a question to emphasize it, as in 'I have a very important question: Why is the sky blue?'

Front

What is the correct way to use a colon to introduce a list?

Back

A colon is used before a list to indicate that what follows is an enumeration, as in 'For the trip, you will need the following: a map, a flashlight, and a tent.'

Front

What punctuation mark is used to introduce a list?

Back

A colon is used to introduce a list.

Front

Can a colon be used before a complete sentence?

Back

Yes, a colon can be used before a complete sentence if it follows an independent clause.

Front

What is the difference between a colon and a semicolon?

Back

A colon introduces lists, quotes, or explanations, while a semicolon connects closely related independent clauses.

Front

When should you not use a colon?

Back

Do not use a colon after a verb or a preposition that introduces a list.

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides additional information about another noun.