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The Colon:The Colon:A well-trained magician’s assistantA well-trained magician’s assistant
It pauses slightly to give you time to get a bit worried, and then efficiently whisks away the cloth and reveals the trick complete. Lynn Truss from Eats, Shoots and Leaves
Rule 1:Noting what followsRule 1:Noting what follows
A. Use a colon before a list of items, A. Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions like especially after expressions like
the followingthe following and and as follows.as follows.
Example:Example:
Please have the following supplies for next classPlease have the following supplies for next class:: a a light bulb, nun chucks, and a cup of decaffeinated light bulb, nun chucks, and a cup of decaffeinated coffee.coffee.
B. Use a colon before a long, formal B. Use a colon before a long, formal statement or a long quotation.statement or a long quotation.
Example:Example:
I plan to begin my education research paper with this Dennis Miller I plan to begin my education research paper with this Dennis Miller quotequote: : “You know there is a problem with the education system “You know there is a problem with the education system when you realize that out of the 3 R's only one begins with an R.”when you realize that out of the 3 R's only one begins with an R.”
C. Use a colon between independent C. Use a colon between independent clauses when the second clause explains clauses when the second clause explains or restates the idea of the first.or restates the idea of the first.
Example:Example:
Tom has only one rule in life: never eat Tom has only one rule in life: never eat anything bigger than your head.anything bigger than your head.
Rule 2: Conventional SituationsRule 2: Conventional Situations
A. Between the hour and the minuteA. Between the hour and the minute 8:30 A.M.8:30 A.M.
B. Between Chapter and Verse in Biblical B. Between Chapter and Verse in Biblical ReferencesReferences Genesis 3:17Genesis 3:17
Rule 2: Conventional SituationsRule 2: Conventional Situations
C. Between Titles and SubtitlesC. Between Titles and Subtitles Harry Potter 8: The Time they just Sat there Harry Potter 8: The Time they just Sat there
for 300 Pagesfor 300 Pages
D. After the Salutation of a Business LetterD. After the Salutation of a Business Letter Dear Professor Plum:Dear Professor Plum:
Rule 2: Conventional SituationsRule 2: Conventional Situations
E. Separating Characters and Dialogue in a playE. Separating Characters and Dialogue in a play Eugene: What was the best thing before sliced Eugene: What was the best thing before sliced
bread?bread?
F. You can probably think of some others F. You can probably think of some others too.too.
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