Use Colon to Describe or Comma

You can use a colon a comma or nothing before a quotation. The two punctuation marks serve very different purposes and should not be used interchangeably.

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A more concise way of saying the same thing.

. A colon is used to make lists and tell the reader This is what I mean The colon should not be used often in most kinds of writing unless there are extensive lists involved. Using either a comma before the quotation mark or a colon. Descriptors quotes lists and more.

You may be required to bring many items. Curiosity is my biggest talent. Dear Mary It was so nice to hear from you.

March 14 2012 by Vappingo. A colon can be used to separate two independent clauses when a the second clause is directly related to the first clause not just vaguely related and b when the emphasis is on the second clause. While you can also use a semicolon or a period between two independent-yet-related clauses the colon is a little softer than the period but a little harder than the.

Below are the sentence types that call for commas. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence while a dependent clause cannot If the dependent clause comes first there may be. On top of that knowing when to use a colon often depends on your stylistic choice.

Using only commas it is unclear what items are being listed exactly. To precede a list. Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely for example or that is do not apply or are not appropriate.

Using a colon between a verb and its object or complement. Butter sugar and flour. To properly employ a colon ensure that the clause that follows the mark is able to stand on its own unless it is a list.

Many people do not understand whether they should use a colon or a comma before quotation marks to introduce direct speech. EmphasisCapitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. Colons often introduce an explanation.

Nowadays it is acceptable to introduce a quotation with a comma a colon or nothing. Also you start with a sentence fragment ending with a colon and then have a complete sentence. Here a comma would not work although a dash could.

A colon can be used immediately after the greeting in a formal letter less-formal letters tend to use a comma in this location. Its purpose is to direct attention to the information that follows. When you are introducing a formal statement or a quotation you can use a colon in much the same way you would use a comma to do the same job.

Often they are used to introduce a quote or a list that satisfies the previous statement. Knowing when to use a colonand how to use it properlyis difficult. Its purpose is to direct attention to the information that follows.

Use a colon rather than a comma to follow the salutation in a business letter even when addressing someone by his or her first name. Use a colon after an introduction that is an independent clause or if the quotation is at least one sentence. The phrase that comes after the colon usually explains or expands on what came before it.

In modern writing the choice of punctuation depends largely on the desired flow of the text ie how much the writer wants the reader to pause. The symbol for colon is. If the introduction is not an independent clause and most arent you can use a comma.

If your quotation in running text ie with no introduction use nothing before it. We use colon when a character direct speech is narrated by someone and we place colon after narrator and place narrated speech in inverted commas eg. You choice is whether its a business letter or a friendly one.

Even the most well-known and respected style manuals the Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Style Handbook disagree. Colons introduce clauses or phrases that serve to describe amplify or restate what precedes them. The only difference is that the colon.

Never use a semicolon after a salutation A comma is used after the salutation in more informal correspondence. Easily Fix Over 250 Types Of Errors That Spell-checkers Cant Find. For example this summary could be written as Colons can introduce many things.

The colon is a punctuation mark used to introduce a list or a quotation or to explain and amplify a statement. In truth it doesnt really matter and if you are introducing a quotation by using words such as he said she commented they asserted etc. Whatever information that follows the colon must in some way explain prove or describe what ever came before it.

When to use colon in a sentence. Do not use a comma before is in this sentence. Ad Easily Check Where to Use a Comma and Where to Use a Semicolon.

And yet on this side of the Atlantic we certainly put a comma after the greeting in an informal letter and a colon after the greeting in a business letter. Semicolons help divide listed items that each contain commas. When to use a comma versus a semi-colon depends on the type of sentence you have.

In this use a comma or semi-colon may work depending on whether the parts are independent clauses or not but the colon emphasizes that the second part describes or expands on or provides evidence for the first. Usually it links a general or introductory statement to an example or a cause to an effect or a premise with a conclusion. Please accept my application for the position advertised in the News and Observer.

Moreover we also use it for emphasis. Thank you for your letter of June 28 2008. A colon can introduce a definition egregious.

The majority of people do not adhere to the guidelines regarding the use of commas and colons with quotations. The colon is a punctuation mark that is used to precede a list of items a quotation expansion or explanation. Are you ready for test We use colon when second clause depends on first clause for making.

She had one love. Sleeping bags pans and warm clothing. A complex sentence has an independent clause and a dependent clause.

A colon is an abrupt stop before a list or definition. A colon is used to give emphasis present dialogue introduce lists or text and clarify composition titles. When to Use a Colon.

It marks the flow of an idea from the first statement to the second. Colons make the statement. I want the following items.

Up to 8 cash back Colons can be tricky little suckers. To Whom It May Concern. Outstandingly bad or shocking.

It is also used before a list quotation answer or to. My curiosity is what I would consider my biggest talent.

Semicolon Vs Colon When To Use Colons And Semicolons 7esl Punctuation Rules Semicolon Punctuation Anchor Chart

Semicolon Vs Colon When To Use Colons And Semicolons 7esl Punctuation Rules Semicolon Punctuation Anchor Chart

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