{"id":16558,"date":"2017-12-15T21:10:47","date_gmt":"2017-12-15T21:10:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy?page_id=16558"},"modified":"2026-03-25T11:51:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T16:51:18","slug":"colons","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/colons\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Colons"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmDeferVideoEncompass_p96PDinD-HQ\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> \n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" id=\"videoThumbnailImage_p96PDinD-HQ\" data-source-videoID=\"p96PDinD-HQ\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" alt=\"Using Colons Video\" height=\"464\" width=\"825\" class=\"size-full\" data-matomo-title = \"Using Colons\">\n\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<style>img#videoThumbnailImage_p96PDinD-HQ:hover {cursor:pointer;} img#videoThumbnailImage_p96PDinD-HQ {background-size:contain;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/updated-using-colons-64c00dfc89007-1.webp\");}<\/style>\n\t\t\t<script defer>\n\t\t\t  jQuery(\"img#videoThumbnailImage_p96PDinD-HQ\").click(function() {\n\t\t\t\tlet videoId = jQuery(this).attr(\"data-source-videoID\");\n\t\t\t\tlet helpTag = '<div id=\"mmDeferVideoYTMessage_p96PDinD-HQ\" style=\"display: none;position: absolute;top: -24px;width: 100%;text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size: small;border-top: 1px solid #fc0;\">Having trouble? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v='+videoId+'\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to watch on YouTube.<\/a><\/span><\/div>';\n\t\t\t\tlet tag = document.createElement(\"iframe\");\n\t\t\t\ttag.id = \"yt\" + videoId;\n\t\t\t\ttag.src = \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/\" + videoId + \"?autoplay=1&controls=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0&egm=0&iv_load_policy=3&hd=0&enablejsapi=1\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.frameborder = 0;\n\t\t\t\ttag.allow = \"autoplay; fullscreen\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.width = this.width;\n\t\t\t\ttag.height = this.height;\n\t\t\t\ttag.setAttribute(\"data-matomo-title\",\"Using Colons\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_p96PDinD-HQ\").html(tag);\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_p96PDinD-HQ\").prepend(helpTag);\n\t\t\t\tsetTimeout(function(){jQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoYTMessage_p96PDinD-HQ\").css(\"display\", \"block\");}, 2000);\n\t\t\t  });\n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\n<p><script>\nfunction 468_Function() {\n  var x = document.getElementById(\"468\");\n  if (x.style.display === \"none\") {\n    x.style.display = \"block\";\n  } else {\n    x.style.display = \"none\";\n  }\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"moc-toc hide-on-desktop hide-on-tablet\">\n<div><button onclick=\"468_Function()\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/toc2.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"show or hide table of contents\"><\/button><\/p>\n<p>On this page<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<nav id=\"468\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Introducing_a_List\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Introducing a List<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Emphasizing_Information\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Emphasizing Information<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Avoiding_Errors_in_Colon_Usage\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Avoiding Errors in Colon Usage<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Review_Question\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Review Question<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion\"><input id=\"transcript\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"transcript\">Transcript<\/label>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"transcript-spoiler\">\n<p>When writing, using punctuation is important to make sure that our ideas are conveyed clearly and accurately to the reader. What punctuation we use and its placement between words can completely change the meaning of a sentence.<\/p>\n<p>In today\u2019s video, we\u2019ll be looking at colons, seeing what they do and when to use them. Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Introducing_a_List\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Introducing a List<\/h2>\n<p>\nOne of the most common ways colons are used in writing is to signify the start of a list or sequence of things in a sentence.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">In a deck of cards, there are four different suits: spades, hearts, aces, and clubs.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn this example, notice the placement of the colon\u2014it is right after the word <em>suits<\/em>, and directly after it, we see a list of the different types of suits in a deck of cards.<\/p>\n<p>Remember when using a colon to emphasize a list of things, the phrase preceding the colon MUST be a complete sentence that stands alone, otherwise known as an independent <a class=\"Ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/clauses\/\">clause<\/a>. \u201cIn a deck of cards, there are four different suits\u201d, is an independent clause, so this colon was correctly used.<\/p>\n<p>How about this one?<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">In a deck of cards, the four different suits are: spades, hearts, aces, and clubs.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nThis example doesn\u2019t use the colon correctly, because its placement interrupts the flow of the sentence. You\u2019ll notice that \u201cIn a deck of cards the four different suits are\u201d is not a complete sentence or independent clause, so we definitely know this colon was not used correctly.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Emphasizing_Information\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Emphasizing Information<\/h2>\n<p>\nAdding a colon to a sentence can also be used to emphasize the information preceding it. In this case, the independent clause after the colon must directly relate to the independent clause before it \u2013 here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">The doctor reached a diagnosis: the patient had a lethal virus.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn this example, the independent clause after the colon is directly related to the independent clause before it. It gives more details about the doctor\u2019s diagnosis and explains to us what it is.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s look at a longer sentence:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Mark knew what he had to do: He would first ask his boss for a raise. If that didn\u2019t work, he would quit his job.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn this example, we see that the colon separates one independent clause from two complete sentences. The sentences after the colon support the clause before the colon. When there are two or more sentences after a colon, remember to capitalize the first letter of the word that comes directly after the colon, which in this case is <em>He<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Colons can also emphasis a single word or phrase at the end of a sentence.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">After the fierce battle, the warrior was known by all as one thing: a hero.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nHere, the phrase <em>a hero<\/em> emphasizes the clause before the colon by describing the warrior.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Avoiding_Errors_in_Colon_Usage\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Avoiding Errors in Colon Usage<\/h2>\n<p>\nSo, we\u2019ve looked at several examples of colons being used correctly, but it\u2019s a common mistake for writers to use a colon in a place that incorrectly separates parts of speech in the sentence. A colon should never separate:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A noun from its related verb<\/li>\n<li>A <a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/action-verbs-and-linking-verbs\/\">verb<\/a> from its object or subject complement<\/li>\n<li>A preposition from its object<\/li>\n<li>Or the subject from its predicate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example of a common mistake.<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">The three primary colors are: red, yellow, and blue.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn this example, the colon separates the verb <em>are<\/em> from the objects <em>red, yellow<\/em>, and <em>blue<\/em>\u2014this is not appropriate colon usage.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s another example:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\" style=\"text-align: left;\">When going to a job interview, you should never do things such as: be late, come unprepared, or wear wrinkled clothes.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn this example, the colon separates two incomplete sentences. Remember, a colon may separate two independent clauses or an independent clause from a phrase. Here, \u201cWhen going to a job interview, you should never do things such as\u201d is not a complete thought.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t let common phrases like <em>such as<\/em>, <em>including<\/em>, or <em>the following<\/em> trick you into thinking the colon is in the right place. It always has to be a complete thought before and after the colon.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2><span id=\"Review_Question\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Review Question<\/h2>\n<p>\nBefore we go, let\u2019s review with a practice question:<\/p>\n<p>What is the correct placement of the colon in this sentence:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">The jury knew he was guilty the evidence was overwhelming.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol style=\"list-style: upper-alpha;\">\n<li>After the word <em>was<\/em><\/li>\n<li>After the word <em>knew<\/em><\/li>\n<li>After the word <em>he<\/em><\/li>\n<li>After the word <em>guilty<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n   <button class=\"buttontranscript\" onClick=\"toggle('Answer1')\">Show Answer<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"Answer1\" class=\"showanswer\">\nThe correct answer is D.\n<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nThanks for watching, and happy studying!<\/p>\n<ul class=\"citelist\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepunctuationguide.com\/colon.html\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cColon | the Punctuation Guide.\u201d Thepunctuationguide.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcenter.unc.edu\/tips-and-tools\/semi-colons-colons-and-dashes\/\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cSemicolons, Colons, and Dashes.\u201d Unc.edu<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grammarly.com\/blog\/colon-2\/\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cColons.\u201d When to Use a Colon: Grammar Rules with Examples<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/parts-of-a-sentence\/\">Return to Parts of a Sentence Videos<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>\nfunction toggle(obj) {\n          var obj=document.getElementById(obj);\n          if (obj.style.display == \"block\") obj.style.display = \"none\";\n          else obj.style.display = \"block\";\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Return to Parts of a Sentence Videos<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":186704,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-16558","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-parts-of-a-sentence-videos","7":"page_category-video-pages-for-study-course-sidebar-ad","8":"page_type-video","9":"subject_matter-english"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16558","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16558"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16558\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":260911,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16558\/revisions\/260911"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/186704"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16558"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}