Punctuation is a device in
writing to help your readers understand better what you have expressed in your
writing. There are certain punctuation rules you need to follow in order to
make your meaning clear.
The Colon
The colon is a formal introduction.
e.g. One important factor is missing: honesty.
The colon is used to introduce a single
word or phrase for emphasis or dramatic effect.
e.g. He had one thing to live for: his ambition to
become the chairman of the company.
e.g. All her life she wanted one thing for her daughter: happiness.
The colon is used to substitute “as a
result.”
e.g. He made some bad investments: he became bankrupt.
e.g. He worked very hard: soon he became the head of the section.
The colon separates two independent
clauses when one explains the other.
e.g. You cannot trust him: he is a very dishonest person.
e.g. This project is very easy: you can do it in just a few
hours.
The colon is NOT used after a linking
verb or after a preposition.
e.g. The two sources of physical pain are injury and
disease. (NO colon after the linking verb are)
e.g. There are two sources of physical pain: injury and
disease. (colon here)
e.g. The man was guilty of stealing the money, abducting
the child, and burning down the house. (NO colon after the preposition of;
do not interrupt the normal flow of thought by adding a colon)
e.g. The man was guilty of several crimes: stealing the
money, abducting the child, and burning down the house. (colon is used
here to complete the flow of thought in the first part of the sentence)
Stephen Lau
Copyright© by Stephen Lau
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