Colons in sentences and independent clauses

Front

What is a colon used for in a sentence?

Back

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

Front

When should you NOT use a colon?

Back

Do not use a colon when the list follows the main verb of a sentence or a preposition.

Front

Identify the correctly punctuated sentence: 'We have four dislikes: tuna casserole, peanut-butter pancakes, rye bread, and prune bars.'

Back

Correctly punctuated.

Front

Identify the incorrectly punctuated sentence: 'Joanna was only allowed to invite three people to her party: Harriet Paula and Bethan.'

Back

Incorrectly punctuated; it should be 'Joanna was only allowed to invite three people to her party: Harriet, Paula, and Bethan.'

Front

What is the function of a colon in a list?

Back

A colon signals that a list will follow.

Front

Choose the correct sentence: 'This is what Plato had to say about mathematicians: I have hardly ever known a mathematician who was capable of reasoning.'

Back

Correctly punctuated.

Front

What punctuation should be used before a quotation?

Back

A colon is used before a quotation if it follows an independent clause.

Front

Identify the correctly punctuated sentence: 'Sam loves hamburgers, fries, and shakes.'

Back

Correctly punctuated.

Front

What is the rule for using a colon with independent clauses?

Back

A colon can be used to separate two independent clauses if the second clause explains or illustrates the first.

Front

What is an example of a sentence that incorrectly uses a colon?

Back

'We do not eat: tuna casserole, peanut-butter pancakes, rye bread, and prune bars.' (Incorrect use of colon)