Colon Lesson
Student example:
Ok well my first question is what was your accomplishment?
Ok, well, my first question is: What was your accomplishment?
Use a colon [ : ] before a list or an explanation that is preceded by a clause that can stand by itself. Think of the colon as a gate, inviting one to go on:
There is only one thing left to do now: confess while you still have time.
Here the colon says, “Here it comes, the information I promised.” When the colon signals a complete sentence, the message is similar. It promises to complete the idea set up in the first clause:
“We finally made our decision: We would sell the house.”
“Easto, Pennsylvania, is a most colorful city: It’s where Crayolas are made.”
One of the most frequently asked questions about colons is whether we should begin an independent clause that comes after a colon with a capital letter. If the independent clause coming after the colon is a formal quote, begin that quoted language with a capital letter.
Whitehead had this to say about writing style: "Style is the ultimate morality of mind."
If the explanatory statement coming after a colon consists of more than one sentence, begin the independent clause immediately after the colon with a capital letter:
There were two reasons for a drop in attendance at NBA games this season: First, there was no superstar to take the place of Michael Jordan. Second, fans were disillusioned about the misbehavior of several prominent players.
Ok well my first question is what was your accomplishment?
Ok, well, my first question is: What was your accomplishment?
Use a colon [ : ] before a list or an explanation that is preceded by a clause that can stand by itself. Think of the colon as a gate, inviting one to go on:
There is only one thing left to do now: confess while you still have time.
Here the colon says, “Here it comes, the information I promised.” When the colon signals a complete sentence, the message is similar. It promises to complete the idea set up in the first clause:
“We finally made our decision: We would sell the house.”
“Easto, Pennsylvania, is a most colorful city: It’s where Crayolas are made.”
One of the most frequently asked questions about colons is whether we should begin an independent clause that comes after a colon with a capital letter. If the independent clause coming after the colon is a formal quote, begin that quoted language with a capital letter.
Whitehead had this to say about writing style: "Style is the ultimate morality of mind."
If the explanatory statement coming after a colon consists of more than one sentence, begin the independent clause immediately after the colon with a capital letter:
There were two reasons for a drop in attendance at NBA games this season: First, there was no superstar to take the place of Michael Jordan. Second, fans were disillusioned about the misbehavior of several prominent players.