Colons - Learning English

 Colons - Learning English

Colons: Use a colon for three main reasons: (1) to introduce a list, (2) to introduce a quotation, or (3) to set up a second clause that answers the first. The one main rule with colons is that an independent clause must precede the colon.

• They looked up at the constellations and could see a multitude of different patterns Orion, the Big Dipper, Cassiopia, and the Bear.
• Correction: They looked up at the constellations and could see a multitude of different patterns: Orion, the Big Dipper, Cassiopia, and the Bear.
• When Frank was confident he had Sally's respect, he asked her a big question "Will you marry me?"
• Correction: Frank was confident he had Sally's respect, he asked her a big question: "Will you marry me?"
• Sally answered briefly and softly: "Love is like an ocean wave. It rolls into shore from seemingly nowhere."
• Correction: Sally answered briefly and softly: "Love is like an ocean wave: it rolls into shore from seemingly nowhere."

Practice with colons