Colons

Front

What is a colon?

Back

A punctuation mark (:) used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation.

Front

When should a colon be used?

Back

A colon should be used after an independent clause to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation.

Front

Is this sentence correct? I need a friend: who demonstrates the following traits kindness, devoted, friendly and honest.

Back

No, the colon is incorrectly placed.

Front

Which sentence is written correctly? Here are the three books that I have read; Goldie Locks and the 3 Bears, Houdini, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. / Here are the three books that I have read: Goldie Locks and the 3 Bears, Houdini, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. / Here are the three books that I have read, Goldie Locks, and 3 Bears, Houdini, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. / Here are the three books that I have read Goldie Locks and the 3 Bears, Houdini, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Back

Here are the three books that I have read: Goldie Locks and the 3 Bears, Houdini, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Front

Is the colon in the correct place? There are several places I would like to visit: Italy, France, and Canada.

Back

Yes, the colon is correctly placed.

Front

What type of sentence component should a colon follow?

Back

An independent clause.

Front

How do you correctly punctuate this sentence? I gave you the spray bottles for one reason to clean the windows.

Back

I gave you the spray bottles for one reason: to clean the windows.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

Can a colon be used before a list?

Back

Yes, a colon is often used before a list that follows an independent clause.

Front

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

Back

She said it best: "Practice makes perfect."