THE

COLON:

The colon looks like two periods, one above the other (:).One major use of the colon is to introduce a list that follows an independent clause.

In the following example, the colon directs the reader’s attention to the list directly following it. The words before the colon make up an independent clause because they express a complete idea.Example: Ann’s doll collection included many different items: a cornhusk doll from Idaho, a dried-apple doll from Maine, a bride doll from Portugal, and a ballerina doll from the Soviet Union.

LINKING OR CONNECTING SENTENCES AND WORD GROUPS

One of the most important functions of the colon is to link or connect sentences and word groups.

The colon (:) indicates the emphasis is to be on what follows it. The colon acts as a sign ---- saying, “Look out, here it comes.”

General Statement -specification, amplification, explanation

EXAMPLE: He had one goal: to pass the course.

PRACTICE: USING COLONS TO INTRODUCE LISTS OF ITEMS.

Colons have been left out of each of the following sentences. Write the word before the colon, the colon, and the word following the colon.

1. This company produces paper pulp used for the following products paper plates, party hats, streamers, and confetti.

2. The apartment consisted of many spacious rooms three bedrooms, an eat-in kitchen, two baths, and a living room.

3. Maryanne chose three poets to study Dickenson, Frost, and Sandburg.

4. A reliable medical encyclopedia should include certain information descriptions of major diseases, lists of their symptoms, and advice about when to consult a physician.

THE COLON IN SPECIAL SITUATIONSSPECIAL USES OF THE COLON

Numbers giving the time 12:55 P.M. 3:00 a.m.

Salutations in business letters Gentlemen: Dear Ms. Brown:

Labels used to signal important Caution: High VoltageIdeas Warning: Trespassers will be prosecuted.

USING COLONS IN SPECIAL SITUATIONS

Copy the items, adding the colon missing in each.

1.My train was running late, and it was almost 630 p.m.

2.The sign read Caution Falling rocks.

3.Dear Inspector Jordan and Farnsworth

4.At 530 AM it was definitely time for me to be in bed.

5.Warning The Surgeon General has determined that cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health.