http://www.ck12.org Chapter 11. Punctuation
- Ingrid received a huge bonus last Christmas; because she singlehandedly sealed the Union Plastics deal.
- The old industrial centers of America—Detroit, Michigan, Cincinnati, Ohio, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania—are
attempting to find new ways to thrive in a tech-heavy economy. - I came in second place, my father hid his disappointment.
Colons
Use the colon after an independent clause when it is followed by a list, quotation, or other idea directly related to the
independent clause.
Example 1- Julie went to the store for somegroceries: milk, bread, coffee, and cheese. The colon is announcing a
list of items that describes the noun “groceries” in more detail.
Example 2- The crier said those dreadedwords: “The King is dead! Long live the king!” The colon is announcing
a quote that specifies which “words” were said.
You can also use the colon to join two independent clauses when you wish to emphasize the second clause. The
colon in this case announces that the second independent clause will complete the idea set up in the first.
Example 1- Road construction in Yoknapatawpha County hindered travel along many routes: parts of Highway 56
and Vienda Drive are closed during construction.
The colon here announces that the first clause about “road construction” will be completed using the more specific
detail from the second clause.
Review Questions
For each sentence, insert missing colons or omit incorrectly placed colons.
- An ammonia molecule consists of four atoms, one nitrogen and three hydrogen.
- George was turned away at the unemployment office they knew he still had a job.
- Some say there are traces of mercury in the town water supply: however, tests conducted by the EPA showed
negative results. - I know the perfect job for her; a politician.
- That street vendor sells everything you could possibly want; churros, hot dogs, and popsicles, for starters.
Hyphens