Using Colons with Lists

Use a colon if your lists comes after ___________.

• a period

• a dependent clause

• an independent clause

• a semicolon

If your list is embedded in your sentence, you ________.

• must use a colon

• can use any punctuation you want.

• should rewrite your sentence.

• do not need to use a colon.

Which sentence needs a colon?

• My dogs sleep anywhere they want by the fireplace, on the bed, or in the car.

• My dogs sleep in many places like by the firepalce, on the bed, or in the car.

Which sentence is correct?

• Nibbles enjoys many things: chasing lizards, bugging the cats, and licking the kitchen floor.

• Nibbles enjoys many things like: chasing lizards, bugging the cats, and licking the kitchen floor.

Which sentence is correct?

• Phoenix is showing many signs of aging: he is blind and is losing his hearing.

• Phoenix is showing many signs of aging he is blind and is losing his hearing.

• Phoenix is showing many signs of aging such as: he is blind and is losing his hearing.

Which sentence is correct?

• When you go to the store, please: buy dog food and dog shampoo.

• When you go to the store; please buy dog food and dog shampoo.

• When you go to the store, please buy dog food and dog shampoo.

• When you go to the store, please buy: dog food and dog shampoo.

Which sentence is correct?

• My dogs like to run at places like the park, the chaparral, and the river bed.

• My dogs like to run at places like: the park, the chaparral, and the river bed.

• My dogs like to run: at places like the park, the chaparral, and the river bed.

Which is correct?

• Dogs eat many things like: toys, shoes, and assorted plastic items.

• Dogs eat many things: shoes, toys, and assorted plastic items.

Which sentence needs a colon?

• The dog has brown eyes, white and tan fur, and a short tail.

• The dog can be recognized by its features brown eyes, white and tan fur, and a short tail.

The living room is very pretty with its floral wall paper, patterned cushions, and green sofa.

• This sentence is correct as written.

• This sentence needs a colon.