Mastering the Use of Colons in Writing

What is the primary function of a colon in a sentence?

• To end a sentence

• To introduce a list or additional information

• To separate two independent clauses

• To indicate a question

Which of the following sentences uses a colon correctly?

• Three things Timmy hates about the well: the dark, the damp, and the ghosts.

• Timmy wants several toys for Christmas: an Easy Bake oven, a watercolor kit, a Barbie doll, and a Lite-Brite.

• The toys Timmy wants are: an Easy Bake oven, a watercolor kit, a Barbie doll, and a Lite-Brite.

• Timmy fell down the well on: Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday.

What is a good test to check if a colon is used correctly in a sentence?

• Replace the colon with a period

• Replace the colon with the word 'namely'

• Replace the colon with a comma

• Replace the colon with a semicolon

Which of the following lists uses a colon correctly?

• The well is scary because: the dark, the damp, and the ghosts.

• Timmy hates the well because: the dark, the damp, and the ghosts.

• Timmy has three things he hates about the well: the dark, the damp, and the ghosts.

• Three things Timmy hates about the well: the dark, the damp, and the ghosts.

In which part of a letter is a colon commonly used?

• In the signature of the letter

• In the salutation of the letter

• In the closing of the letter

• In the body of the letter

When should the first letter after a colon be capitalized?

• Always

• Never

• Only if it is a proper noun

• Only if it starts a new sentence

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a colon with proper capitalization?

• Timmy had three places he wanted to visit: France, Bangladesh, and Brazil.

• Timmy had three places he wanted to visit: france, bangladesh, and brazil.

• Timmy had three places he wanted to visit: the grocery store, the post office, and the movie theater.

• Timmy had three places he wanted to visit: The grocery store, the post office, and the movie theater.

What is the correct way to start a letter to the fire department?

• Dear Firefighters.

• Dear Firefighters;

• Dear Firefighters:

• Dear Firefighters,

What is the correct way to start a letter to Farmer Nesbitt?

• Dear Mr. Nesbitt.

• Dear Mr. Nesbitt;

• Dear Mr. Nesbitt:

• Dear Mr. Nesbitt,

What did Timmy's parents get him for Christmas?

• An Easy Bake oven

• A watercolor kit

• A puppy named Lassie

• A Barbie doll