When can you use a colon in an essay?
Rule 1: Colons can be used to introduce a list, BUT they must follow a complete sentence (independent clause). The nine elements of a formal report are: title page, abstract, table of contents, introduction, body, conclusions, recommendations, references and appendix/appendices.
When would you use a colon?
The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. In such usage, the colon functions in much the same way as the semicolon.
When should a colon not be used?
Rule 2. Avoid using a colon before a list if it directly follows a verb or preposition that would ordinarily need no punctuation in that sentence. Not recommended: I want: butter, sugar, and flour. Recommended: I want butter, sugar, and flour.
How do you use a colon in a sentence for a list?
Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare.
Can you use a colon after for example?
Do not use a colon in a complete sentence after phrases such as “such as,” “including,” and “for example.” Because phrases like these already indicate to the reader that a list of examples will follow, there is no need to introduce them with a colon, which would merely be redundant.
Do you need a full sentence after a semicolon?
But observe carefully: the semicolon must be both preceded by a complete sentence and followed by a complete sentence. Do not use the semicolon otherwise: *I don’t like him; not at all.
When listing Do you use a colon or semicolon?
To separate items in a list. Use the semi-colon to separate items in a list when one or more items contain a comma. (These examples use a colon to introduce items in the list.
What Does a colon do in grammar?
Colons follow independent clauses (clauses that could stand alone as sentences) and can be used to present an explanation, draw attention to something, or join ideas together.
Is a colon like a period?
Colons Separating Independent Clauses 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 semicolon.
Can you use a colon after a period?
Use a colon carefully after an abbreviation of two words, such as i.e. or A.M. Do not place a period after the abbreviation.