Let's Talk About Colons!

You might be expecting a medical post, but let's talk about colon the punctuation mark as opposed to colon the bodily organ. How do you use a colon?

First, a colon is used to mark off an explanation that follows an independent clause. (An independent clause is a statement that can stand on its own as a complete sentence.) A colon states, "I am going to explain what I just said."

1. It was a beautiful day: new snow was falling.
2. That test was extremely challenging: I did not study long enough.
3. A colon - the punctuation mark - has an elegant look to it : the colon consists of two dots stacked neatly on top of one another.

Second, a colon is used to separate a quote from an independent clause. The key here is that the quote is preceded by an independent clause.

4. Note the amazing point that Troy makes: "Be sure to use your colon correctly!"
5. The weather man said something extremely disappointing: "It is going to be a beautiful warm sunny day!"

Third, use a colon after a salutation in a formal letter. You will use a colon in this manner when you are writing a cover letter or scholarship statement.

6. Dear Financial Aid Appeals Committee: Please consider my circumstances when evaluating my financial aid status.


Fourth, use a colon to mark off a list.

7. A colon has a number of appropriate placements: preceding an explanation of an independent clause; separating a quote from an independent clause; after a salutation in a formal letter; and before a list.

I think you will find that - when done correctly - using your colon can be an extremely exciting process. Enjoy!