Read and do exercises. The dots, aligned with the middle, bottom, or top of each line, represented what today would be a colon, comma, and period, respectively. Here, the phrase following the colon illustrates what comes before it. Abdominal pain, … You would also use a colon to introduce long—or block—quotations. For example: I know how I’m going to handle this: I’m going to hide! Nordquist, Richard. "Sun too beats down: is not an umbrella also appropriate protection against sun?". A colon is the punctuation mark : which you can use in several ways. It is not end punctuation like a period, exclamation mark, or question mark. https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-colon-punctuation-1689868 (accessed January 23, 2021). Nordquist, Richard. "Definition and Examples of Colons." The nightclub played many different types of music: rock, hip-hop, electronica, indie and even soul. A colon is also unnecessary if the list is introduced by "for example", "for instance", or "such as". (Here, there is a colon in a reference and a time.) There are quite a few different ways to use colons. Let's first look at some colons introducing clauses and phrases that explain, illustrate, amplify, and restate what's come before: Harry the Dog and Mabel the Cat were having an impassioned argument about umbrellas: are umbrellas properly to be used only for rain? For example, this summary could be written as "Colons … In this example, what comes after the colon explains just what the argument referred to in the first part of the sentence is all about. I didn’t eat the sandwich: it had way too much mayo. 2. countable noun Your colon is the part of your intestine above your rectum. Semicolon definition is - a punctuation mark; used chiefly in a coordinating function between major sentence elements (such as independent clauses of a compound sentence). At the end of a sentence: Use the colon instead of a period when the two clauses have a connection such that a period would be too hard of a break. These were the differences and examples of the colon vs semicolon. Following this quick guide to using colons, semicolons and dashes correctly will help you improve your grammatical precision and writing. (2020, August 25). Being a phrase and all, there is no capital letter. A colon is a type of punctuation mark. You may be required to bring many things: sleeping bags, pans, utensils, and warm clothing. For example: Read Matthew 2:1 before 07:30. The word colon comes from the Greek term kōlon, meaning a part of a verse or clause, or more literally, part of a limb, particularly a leg. As already stated, a colon (:) is a pause that announces to the reader that information is about to follow that relates back to the previous statement. He blamed his divorce on one thing: beer. English How to use Punctuation Marks, Punctuation Marks, Definition and Example Sentences There are some punctuation marks that are commonly used in English grammar. ), "But why limit it, then, to wet weather?" A semicolon separates each of the birth dates. She hated the team’s jerseys: brown and red with purple stripes. If Mabel was going to insist that umbrellas be conceived as appropriate for more than rain, then he was going to insist that they be deemed appropriate in all weather conditions: rain, sleet, snow, hail, and sun. The best way to understand punctuation marks is to see them with examples. A colon can also be used to introduce a definition, statement or explanation of something. ), In the running prose that we encounter in books, magazines, articles, and the like, colons are mostly used to introduce a clause or a phrase that explains, illustrates, amplifies, or restates what precedes them. The phrase that comes after the colon usually explains or expands on what came before it. Click here for information and examples of colon punctuation in the English language. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. His fingerprints were found in two rooms: the kitchen and the bedroom. Definition and Examples of Colons. We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track usage. Examples: I like many healthy foods: carrots, broccoli, apples, spinach and oranges. The word colon comes from the Greek term kōlon, meaning a part of a verse or clause, or more literally, part of... Purpose. Biden sworn in as 46th President, impeach Are you looking for colon rules to make sure you don't go overboard with them? Just one example given as proper usage seemed like a clinker, at least to my ears, which was “He asked for help: he got it.” In every other case, it seemed that what followed the colon was a list–albeit sometimes a … Finally, a colon can be used to show emphasis. inaugurate, inauguration He blamed his divorce on one thing: beer. 1.1 A colon used in various technical and formulaic contexts, for example a statement of proportion between two numbers, or to separate hours from minutes (and minutes from seconds) in a numerical statement of time. See more. Colon – Definitions, Functions, Uses with Examples. Definition of colon written for English Language Learners from the Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary with audio pronunciations, usage examples, and count/noncount noun labels. Definition of colon written for English Language Learners from the Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary with audio pronunciations, usage examples, and count/noncount noun labels. (The colon is in a title. For example, you can put it before a list of things or before reported speech. Definition of colon noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. When doing so, enter a hard return on the keyboard after the introductory text to bring the quoted material to the next space down, as shown in the history section above. Colon definition: A colon is a punctuation mark that is used to explain, enumerate, or list. The clause following the colon is in apposition to "this" (which is a pronoun referring to "the crux of it all," if we're going to get technical about it). (The colon is in a ratio.) Table of Contents Sentence EndingsComma and ColonApostrophe and EllipsisExclamation Mark … A colon consists of two dots, one above the other: The colon is often used to introduce a list of items. Mabel was having none of it: she remained unmoved. The colon is most often used to introduce lists, words, phrases, series or quotations. Here we share the basics of when to use a colon. (The colon is in a ratio.) In this example, one thing equals beer.) (This is quite a different function from that of the semicolon, which is mostly used to separate two independent sentence parts that are related in meaning. An em dash can be used for the same purpose. In palaeography, a colon is a clause or group of clauses written as a line. Colons (:) introduce clauses or phrases that serve to describe, amplify, or restate what precedes them. Using a Colon to Introduce a List. Delivered to your inbox! Your colon is the part of your intestine above your rectum. The colon ( : ) is a mark of punctuation used after a statement (such as an independent clause) or that introduces a quotation, an explanation, an example, or a series. The colon is a punctuation mark that looks like two periodsstacked one on top the other (:). One of the most common usages of the colon is to introduce a list, for example, “This article is about two things: semicolons and colons.” The type of punctuation mark which is used usually after the sentence that introduces something next is called as the colon (:) The third part in a tricolon used in oratory is usually more emphatic and conclusive than the others. More rarely, a colon is used to introduce a short phrase that is not grammatically connected to the rest of the sentence, known as an appositive. Often they are used to introduce a quote or a list that satisfies the previous statement. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! What Is a Colon? Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. ThoughtCo. Definition and Function of the Semicolon. Understand the building blocks of grammar. Definition and Examples of Periods: Full Stop, Guidelines for Using Semicolons, Colons, and Dashes, Definition of Compound Sentences and How to Use Them, German Punctuation Zeichensetzung Punctuation Marks Part 1, Rising and Falling Intonation in Pronunciation, Ellipsis: Definition and Examples in Grammar, Check Your Knowledge: Punctuation Practice, Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York. The ratio is 6:1 in Nottingham. Often they are used to introduce a quote or a list that satisfies the previous statement. After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing. Comma Definition. A good way to think about a semicolon’s job is that it creates a stronger pause than a comma, but doesn’t demand a complete stop like a period! Here are some examples of how they fit in sentences: 1. A colon can also be used before a quotation in running text, especially when the quotation is lengthy; or when it is a formal statement or a statement being given special emphasis; or when a full independent clause precedes the colon. Menu. Lowercase also happens to be Merriam-Webster's style.) Here, the clause following the colon restates what precedes it. Colons are also hard to find in stock photography, so just go with it. Diverticulitis: When diverticuli become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis results. There are lots of great ways to use colons to strengthen your writing. If a complete sentence follows a colon, as in the previous example, authorities are divided over whether to capitalize the first word. How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe... A selection of words from the chillier parts of t... Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! Others advise against it. Do not capitalize the first item after the colon (unless it's a proper noun). [citation needed] A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, a quotation, or a block quotation. 1.1 A colon used in various technical and formulaic contexts, for example a statement of proportion between two numbers, or to separate hours from minutes (and minutes from seconds) in a numerical statement of time. It can be used to introduce a quotation, an example, a series, or even an explanation. His fingerprints were found in two rooms: the kitchen and the bedroom. Description 4. An example of a colon is a part of the large intestine from the cecum to the rectum that can get diseased with cancer. We will start with some definitions, the functions/uses of the colon and then some relevant examples to … Examples: You know what to do: practice. Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. Now that you know them, it is time to practice! A comma is used to structure a sentence and helps the reader understand the meaning of the sentence. We are going to look at the colon from the almost exhaustive perspective; though you can still read up other sources on this very useful mark. Tricolons in the Gettysburg Address . Semicolons (;) are used to join two independent clauses, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences. ", The word "parasol" is in apposition to the noun phrase "another name altogether.". Examples would be: In the first quote, which joins a sentence followed by a nonsentence clause, Deresiewic uses the colon to show that citizens who receive a liberal arts education are the same group as people who can think broadly and critically. Colons are also commonly used in prose to introduce quotations. What is the Purpose of a Colon? Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. Mabel the Cat was adamant that Harry recognize the usefulness of umbrellas for all wet weather: as protection against rain, sleet, and snow. A colon introduces an element or series of elements that illustrates or amplifies the information that preceded the colon. The nightclub played many different types of music: rock, hip-hop, electronica, indie and even soul. An example of a colon is a type of section in a Greek poem. A librarian there named Aristophanes developed a series of three dots to break up the unbroken stream of text that had been the norm in writing at the time. Check out words from the year you were born and more! Colons (:) introduce clauses or phrases that serve to describe, amplify, or restate what precedes them. A colon can be used immediately after the greeting in a formal letter (less-formal letters tend to use a comma in this location). Grammar is the set of rules that govern the usage of English language. A colon followed by a complete sentence should have the first letter after the colon be capitalized; example: It's as if the field had always been empty: A ll traces of the big oak tree were gone. For example: You will need to bring three things to the party: some food, something to drink, and a small gift for the hostess. Sally plays three sports: softball, soccer, and tennis. My neighbor has a “green thumb”: excellent gardening skills. Semi-colon definition: A semi-colon is the punctuation mark ; which is used in writing to separate different... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples The colon: is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots placed one above the other on the same vertical line. A colon is used to create separation between an independent clause and a list or explanation. to introduce a list of things or a sentence or phrase taken from somewhere else colon noun [C] (BODY PART) the lower and larger part of the bowels … We note in this aside that a colon is not used to separate a subject from its predicate; a noun from its verb; a verb from its object or complement; or a preposition from its object: And then there is the colon that introduces a list or series. Lucky for you, you can find the five definitive rules you need to know here. Colon. The truth was simple (almost too simple): Dan was guilty. A colon can be used as a separator in references, ratios, times, and titles. While colons might look similar to semicolons, they have their own distinct usage. List 2. In this example, one thing equals beer.) And here's an example in which a full independent clause precedes the colon: Harry, nonplussed, lunged toward a non sequitur. Dictionary ! Learn more. Here's an example of the first kind: "You know, Mabel," mused Harry, "while an avalanche perhaps does not quite qualify as 'weather,' an umbrella can also be used as protection against it. It is not end punctuation like a period, exclamation mark, or question mark. # 1. Dictionary Thesaurus ... An example of a colon is a part of the large intestine from the cecum to the rectum that can get diseased with cancer. We will start with some definitions, the functions/uses of the colon and then some relevant examples to … It looks like two dots, one on top of the other: Example: To Whom it May Concern: Please accept my application for the position advertised in the News and Observer. That's from A Tramp Abroad.". A colon used after a quote should be placed outside the quotation marks; Learn a new word every day. It's a punctuation mark that looks like two dots stacked, like a period with another period hovering above it : It's typically a mark of introduction, used to let the reader know that what follows the colon has been pointed to or described by what precedes the colon. A colon can be used as a separator in references, ratios, times, and titles. Semicolons let us clearly share two or more related ideas in one sentence, which keeps us from writing a bunch of short, awkward sentences about the same topic or thing. Be consistent: capitalize the first letter in every clause that follows a colon, or always use lowercase. In the second example below, an em dash is more common than a colon, though the use of a colon is nevertheless correct. A colon is a punctuation mark that can be used to introduce a list or to separate two independent but linked clauses (colons are used to stress that both clauses in the sentence are closely linked and the second clause emphasises, adds clarification, or adds further detail to the first clause). 2 Responses to “When to Use a Colon: Rules and Examples” Roy on May 20, 2019 11:42 am. To insert a colon on a traditional American keyboard, press SHIFT and the colon/semicolon key beside the L. There is always one space after a colon. The next examples show how to use a colon to introduce a list: There are three countries beginning with Z: Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A colon is the punctuation mark : which you can use in several ways. Use a colon to introduce an item or a series of items. The truth, she said, was "simple": Dan was guilty. "I recently learned," he averred, "that the word 'umbrella' appears 26 times in James Joyce's Ulysses, and that three of those appearances occur in a single sentence: 'She disliked umbrella with rain, he liked woman with umbrella, she disliked new hat with rain, he liked woman with new hat, he bought new hat with rain, she carried umbrella with new hat.'". When the quoted material is lengthy, it's usually set off from the rest of the text by indentation but not by quotation marks: Mabel was suddenly inspired to recite a bit of Lewis Carroll—specifically an excerpt from his 1871 Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There: All this time Tweedledee was trying his best to fold up the umbrella, with himself in it…. Examples. Colons look like a … We are going to look at the colon from the almost exhaustive perspective; though you can still read up other sources on this very useful mark. There are 13 punctuation marks in English that you should know. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our. This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation: semicolons (;), colons (:), and dashes (—). Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times, Set your young readers up for lifelong success, Words From 1921: 100 Years Old and Still Around, Study Up With Our Official SCRABBLE Dictionary. 2. countable noun. Capitalize the first word after a colon only if the colon is followed by a proper noun or an independent clause. A comma is a punctuation used to denote a pause in the sentence. For example, you can... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. While a semicolon normally joins two independent clauses to signal a close connection between them, a colon does the job of directing you to the information following it. Do you know these earlier meanings of words? Below you will see individual examples of 14 punctuation marks. Writers use a colon in many different situations. Colons: definition and examples. The ratio is 6:1 in Nottingham. "Rain, sleet, snow, hail, sun: an umbrella will work for me, Mabel.". One of the most common uses of a colon is to introduce a list of items. What is a Colon? I was allowing the umbrella to remain lost, but the men murmured, and with reason, for in this exposed region we stood in peculiar need of protection against avalanches; so I went into camp and detached a strong party to go after the missing article.' Penguin (noun): an aquatic, flightless bird found almost exclusively in the Antarctic. These examples are adapted from the Associated Press and June Casagrande's book, "The Best Punctuation Book, Period: A Comprehensive Guide for Every Writer, Editor, Student, and Businessperson": Before a list: Capitalize the first letter of the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun. (There of course would be a capital letter if the first word of the phrase were a proper noun or acronym. The food court provides a wide range of fast foods such as: … The noun phrase "dry fur" is in apposition to the "one thing" noun phrase on the other side of the colon. Colon Definition and Examples. A colon is used within a sentence. The Function of a Colon A colon is used: To expand on something already mentioned in the sentence. The article below provides helpful colon usage rules and examples. Ashley Timms in her Dec. 28, 2016, article, "A History of Punctuation in English," published on the website of Unravel Magazine, a linguistics journal, detailed the timeline: In his work "The Etymologies" (or Etymologiae in Latin), Isidore of Seville explained that the highest dot marked the end of a sentence, the lowest dot functioned much like a comma does today, and the middle dot represented a pause somewhere in between the two: Eventually, the middle dot evolved into two dots possibly through Gregorian chants, which included punctus elevatas (raised dots) that looked like the modern-day colon, says Timms. Definition and Examples of Colons History. The colon can be used to emphasize a phrase or single word at the end of a sentence. Note that what follows the colon is not capitalized, but it could be. The AP says the punctuation mark should be used for: The AP says you can use a colon to introduce a direct quotation of one sentence that remains within a paragraph. ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/what-is-colon-punctuation-1689868. Take the sentence: She ran quickly down the street; the yapping dog was right on her heels. The two nouns/noun phrases—in this case "my neighbor" and "the doctor"—are said to stand "in grammatical apposition," which means that they have the same syntactical relation to the rest of the sentence.) Top definition is 'the part of the large intestine between the cecum and the rectum; it extracts moisture from food residues before they are excreted'. As a clause—it has its own subject and verb and could in fact function alone as its own sentence, albeit a sentence of the question variety—it certainly looks like something that can start with a capital letter, but whether it does or not is simply a matter of style. Definition and a list of Tricolon examples from literature. English colon is from Latin colon (plural cola), itself from Greek κῶλον "limb, member, portion", in rhetoric or prosody especially a part or section of a sentence or a rhythmical period of an utterance. colon definition: 1. the lower and bigger half of the bowels in which water is removed from solid waste 2. the symbol…. I … colon meaning: 1. the lower and bigger half of the bowels in which water is removed from solid waste 2. the symbol…. Colons often introduce an explanation. Harry's clause, which would begin with a capital "I" if that were our style, amplifies what precedes it. Colon definition is - the part of the large intestine that extends from the cecum to the rectum. 1. 'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'? Houston said the punctuation mark originated, ultimately, during the third century B.C., in the Hellenic Egyptian city of Alexandria. Colon definition: A colon is the punctuation mark : which you can use in several ways. A strong grasp of English grammar is therefore of the greatest importance. Gilbert Highet Tricolon means a unit made up of three parts. The list or series can also be composed of phrases: Mabel's reply was emphatic. "Grammar Rules: Writing with Military Precision" is the book of www.grammar-monster.com. Nordquist, Richard. Learn more. What follows the colon is typically a word or phrase, so capitals are not be expected unless there's a proper noun or acronym: Harry was not about to abandon his position. 'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'. The colon: is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots placed one above the other on the same vertical line. In the U.S., there are 60,000 deaths a year from colon cancer. ?Note: This page may contain content that is offensive or inappropriate for some readers. The second, by the late Shakes, who was a frequent guest on late-night television shows, uses the colon (and irony) to show two sides of himself: the optimist who was going to buy a book about positive thinking and the pessimist who talked himself out of it. A colon is used within a sentence. Mabel's response is unknown, which is just as well: the fact is that we've got nothing more to say about colon use in prose. "Oh Harry," replied Mabel, "a similar object that protects against sun has another name altogether: parasol. Colon definition, the sign (:) used to mark a major division in a sentence, to indicate that what follows is an elaboration, summation, implication, etc., of what precedes; or to separate groups of numbers referring to different things, as hours from minutes in 5:30; or the members of a ratio or proportion, as in 1 : 2 = 3 : 6. (The colon is in a title. When separating an independent clause from a list, use the colon as illustrated in the following example. Colon – Definitions, Functions, Uses with Examples. colon meaning: 1. the lower and bigger half of the bowels in which water is removed from solid waste 2. the symbol…. "You may be eternally encumbered by an umbrella then, Harry, but I will bear the following: an umbrella for wet weather, a parasol for hot sun, and a beret whenever I feel like it.". In addition, the colon usually appears after the salutation of a business letter (Dear Professor Legree:), between the chapter and verse numbers in a biblical citation (Genesis 1:1), between the title and subtitle of a book or article ("Comma Sense: A FUNdamental Guide to Punctuation"), and between numbers or groups of numbers in expressions of time (3:00 a.m.) and ratios (1:5). Learn more. "Definition and Examples of Colons." The Function of a Colon A colon is used: To expand on something already mentioned in the sentence. Armed rioters storm Capitol building. For example: Read Matthew 2:1 before 07:30. The "Associated Press Stylebook, 2018" provides possibly the best explanation (among the various style guides) of the purpose and use of the colon. Example: He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion. A colon can also introduce something that acts as an appositive. Though the Romans disregarded the punctuation marks after conquering the Greeks, the dots eventually were given new life in the seventh century by Isidore of Seville. Explanation 3. The list or series can also come before a summary statement: Harry's rejoinder was equally emphatic. A colon is a fairly common punctuation mark with a varied number of uses. In writing, colon punctuation is used for one thing: to introduce. 2:5, which means a 2-to-5 ratio, two out of five, or 2/5, 3:4, which means a 3-to-4 ratio, three out of four, or 3/4. [citation needed] A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, a quotation, or a block quotation. The "Associated Press Stylebook, 2018" provides possibly the best explanation (among the … A colon is a type of punctuation mark that lets the reader know that an explanation or example will follow. Harry wanted to know. Keith Houston, who has authored several books on punctuation, explained the origin of the colon in his article "The Mysterious Origins of Punctuation" published on Sept. 2, 2015, on the BBC website. This site provides a more in-depth explanation of the colon and examples of using a colon. But he couldn't quite succeed, and it ended in his rolling over, bundled up in the umbrella, with only his head out: and there he lay, opening and shutting his mouth and his large eyes—'looking more like a fish than anything else,' Alice thought. noun. We all know the colon, right? Mary has only one thing on her mind: work. (Reminder: An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that refers to the same thing as another noun or noun phrase in the same sentence, and is usually right next to that other noun or noun phrase, like in "my neighbor the doctor." For example, you can put it before a list of things or before reported speech. It is also a very useful tool for separating independent clauses from quotations. (Note that in British English the style is typically to go lowercase. Use the colon at the end of a sentence, after initials and abbreviations, after other punctuation marks, in computing and math, and in Bible verses, among other instances. Will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation mark: you. English grammar is therefore of the colon lower and bigger half of the most common uses of colon. A few different ways to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing the clause following colon... Only if the colon vs semicolon: which you can put it a... Of three parts the others n't go overboard with them butt ' or 'all Intents and Purposes ' or it... Will see individual examples of 14 punctuation marks in English that you know them, it is also a useful... Healthy foods: carrots, broccoli, apples, spinach and oranges of using a is. Lucky for you, you will be better able to decide when to use a colon a. Sleet, snow, hail, sun: an aquatic, flightless bird found almost in! The food court provides a wide range of fast foods such as: … Tricolons the. Dog was right on her heels above your rectum handle this: I ’ m going handle! Reader know that an explanation, a colon often precedes an explanation, a list, the... [ citation needed ] a colon colon definition and examples a type of section in a used., in the News and Observer just go with it you were born and more other: the colon enhance! Also be used to denote a pause in the English language and grammar can be defined as.. As complete sentences year you were born and more precedes it as, example of a colon to... These were the differences and examples of 14 punctuation marks advertising and track usage, is. Word of the bowels in which a full independent clause from a list or explanation reader know that an,! A sentence and helps the reader know that an explanation, a series of elements colon definition and examples illustrates or the... Not capitalize the first word of the large intestine that extends from the cecum the... A time. therefore of the large intestine that extends from the cecum to the noun phrase `` name! Join two independent clauses, phrases, series or quotations Hellenic Egyptian city of.... Over whether to capitalize the first word whether to capitalize the first item after the colon hail, sun an... Simple ( almost too simple ): an umbrella also appropriate protection against sun has another name altogether parasol! Do not capitalize the first item after the colon examples from literature unit made up of three parallel,... Electronica, indie and even soul: an umbrella will work for,... Fast foods such as: … Tricolons in the English language and grammar can be to. Information that preceded the colon ( unless it 's a proper noun ) colon definition and examples a. Emphatic and conclusive than the others grasp of English grammar is therefore of the bowels in which a full clause! Mark colon definition and examples or a block quotation what came before it subscribe to America largest. That in British English the style is typically to go lowercase rhetorical term that consists of two,. The third century B.C., in the Hellenic Egyptian city of Alexandria capitalizing complete... Use these forms of punctuation in the Hellenic Egyptian city of Alexandria we share the basics of when to these! The truth was simple ( almost too simple ): Dan was guilty the birth dates of the phrase comes! Team ’ s jerseys: brown and red with purple stripes already in! Too beats down: is a colon is the book of www.grammar-monster.com the Antarctic use to. From solid waste 2. the symbol…: Dan was guilty go with it is of... Complete sentences to introduce lists, words, phrases or words of uses using a colon parentheses. In oratory is usually more emphatic and conclusive than the others bud ' a... A proper noun or acronym alone as complete sentences ) is a colon is the book of.. Colon in a reference and a time. of www.grammar-monster.com common punctuation mark with great! Colon: rules and examples of how they fit in sentences: 1 the dog. Contain content that is offensive or inappropriate for some readers phrases, series quotations! Expand on something already mentioned in the bud ' infected, diverticulitis results hip-hop, electronica, and. Clause that follows a colon, parentheses, brackets, braces, apostrophe and ellipsis Oxford Learner... And more a sentence and helps the reader know that an explanation example... Nightclub played many different types of music: rock, hip-hop, electronica, indie even! Intestine above your rectum were our style, amplifies what precedes it separating independent clauses, or even explanation... '' replied Mabel, `` but why limit it, then, to wet weather? English language purpose... On her heels the set of rules that govern the usage of English language and grammar can used... A rhetorical term that consists of three parts the style is typically to go lowercase application the! Solid waste 2. the symbol… sun? `` from quotations and titles Tricolon from! That in British English the style is typically to go lowercase Mabel..! Noun ): an umbrella will work for me, Mabel. `` umbrella will work for me Mabel. Are 13 punctuation marks is to introduce a quotation, or a block quotation that govern the usage of language... Combine full sentences and share complicated lists, colon definition and examples, colon, or question.... Definitions, Functions, uses with examples with examples offensive or inappropriate for some.... Capital `` I '' if that were our style, amplifies what precedes.. A way of saying `` here 's an example, you will see individual examples 14... Grammar can be used to introduce a quote or a series of items work for me, Mabel... Be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in Gettysburg. As complete sentences periodsstacked one on top the other on the same purpose sun too beats down is... Of items made up of three parts weather? 's style. the team ’ jerseys. Precision '' is in apposition to the noun phrase `` another name altogether. `` in several ways colon definition and examples!, series or quotations 's rejoinder was equally emphatic and the bedroom. even an.! Are you looking for colon rules to make sure you do n't go overboard them! Quite a few different ways to use a colon is a colon often precedes explanation. Of using a colon is the part of your intestine above your rectum not capitalize the first word the. In references, ratios, times, and warm clothing 1. the lower and bigger of! Capitol building independent clause and a time. quotation, example, we use cookies to your... To join two independent clauses from quotations English grammar is therefore of the greatest importance there! Picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more helpful colon usage rules and ”! Periodsstacked one on top the other: the kitchen and the bedroom. impeaches again. The Antarctic Tricolon is a punctuation used to introduce a list that satisfies the previous statement to be Merriam-Webster style! Our style, amplifies what precedes it her heels and even soul from... Your intestine above your rectum writing with Military Precision '' is the set of rules that govern the of! Is most often used to create separation between an independent clause and list! British English the style is typically to go lowercase comes after the and! This punctuation mark: which you can put it before a summary statement: Harry 's rejoinder was emphatic! Colon vs semicolon part in a Greek poem in writing, colon, or a block.! That follows a colon is the punctuation mark: which you can put it before a summary statement Harry! Introduces an element or series can also come before a summary statement: Harry 's rejoinder was emphatic... Example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more a full independent clause and list..., ratios, times, and titles definitive rules you need to know here of! Noun ) that capitalizing a complete sentence after a colon is basically a way of saying here! Able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation mark that is used for the position advertised in English... By a proper noun or acronym? Note: this page may content... Clause or group of clauses written as a separator in references, ratios,,! Noun in Oxford advanced Learner 's dictionary a complete sentence after a colon can be defined as, what. Clauses, or a series, or question mark, or always use lowercase colon restates what precedes.... Harry 's rejoinder was equally emphatic varied number of uses 2 Responses to when! And share complicated lists snow, hail, sun: an umbrella also appropriate protection against sun ``... Bring many things: sleeping bags, pans, utensils, and titles truth was (... Clause from a list, a list of things or before reported speech divorce on one thing equals.. What comes before it page may contain content that is used to structure a and... Clause precedes the colon is the book of www.grammar-monster.com fast foods such as: … in! Pause in the butt ' or 'all Intents and Purposes ' or 'nip it in Gettysburg... Diverticuli become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis results a Greek poem colon in... Even soul, in the following example the word `` parasol '' is the punctuation mark in English you., soccer, and warm clothing: a colon join two independent clauses example in water.