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Colon Introduction

A colon always signals one meaning: an expectation will be satisfied.

Anything can follow a colon: one word, a phrase, items in a series, a list, or even a sentence.

One way to misuse a colon is: not having a complete sentence leading up to the colon, such as the colon in this sentence.

Fragment in front of the colon (wrong): The child’s crimes were: burglary and assault. (No colon needed—The child’s crimes were burglary and assault )

Sentence in front of the colon (right): The child’s crimes were serious: burglary and assault.

The colon means the same thing as, and replaces, these other introductory expressions: such as, as follows, in the following manner, for example, namely, for instance, and like. Do not use a colon with these expressions! Usually these expressions are followed by fragments, so do not use a period either. Use such as instead of a colon to emphasize that your list is not complete. Put a comma in front of such as and nothing after it:

My parents set strict rules, such as chaperoned dates, a 10 p.m. curfew, and one hour of TV a day.

In the following sentences what goes in the blank: a colon or nothing? Put a colon or leave it blank.

Hint: Six sentences need a colon.

My father’s previous jobs were__butcher, baker, and candlestick maker.
I had one small problem__no money.
Chris Evert had two advantages growing up__living close to the tennis courts and her father being a pro.
Every college student needs one very important learning aid__a laptop computer.
To solve a crime, cops look for clues, such as__fingerprints, blood spatter patterns, and a weapon.
My sister loves sports that thrill, for example__rock climbing and hang gliding.
A cruise ship offers entertainment for__adults, children, and senior citizens.
A cruise ship offers entertainment for everyone__adults, children, and senior citizens.
The three breeds that dominated this year’s dog show are__ terriers, poodles, and spaniels.
Three breeds dominated this year’s dog show__ terriers, poodles, and spaniels.
Your rules while we are away include__ no long distance calls, no parties, and no driving the Mercedes.
While we are away, please obey these rules__ no long distance calls, no parties, and no driving the Mercedes.

Answers

My father’s previous jobs were butcher, baker, and candlestick maker.
I had one small problem: no money.
Chris Evert had two advantages growing up: living close to the tennis courts and her father being a pro.
Every college student needs one very important learning aid: a laptop computer.
To solve a crime, cops look for clues, such as fingerprints, blood spatter patterns, and a weapon.
My sister loves sports that thrill, for example rock climbing and hang gliding.
A cruise ship offers entertainment for adults, children, and senior citizens.
A cruise ship offers entertainment for everyone: adults, children, and senior citizens.
The three breeds that dominated this year’s dog show were terriers, poodles, and spaniels.
Three breeds dominated this year’s dog show: terriers, poodles, and spaniels.
Your rules while we are away include no long distance calls, no parties, and no driving the Mercedes.
While we are away, please obey these rules: no long distance calls, no parties, and no driving the Mercedes.
Last updated 9/18/06