Punctuation marks: the colon.
The colon is without doubt one of the most clearly-defined punctuation marks. It sometimes acts as a stand-in for a comma or interval (although when certainly one of these different punctuation marks will do, the colon is pointless).
Mostly, the colon capabilities as an introductory punctuation mark, notifying the reader that the forthcoming info helps, explains, or elaborates upon what has been stated previous to the colon.
These punctuation marks are widespread in math and science in addition to technical documentation. In artistic writing, we don’t see plenty of colons except we’re engaged on a script. Colons are most frequently seen in textual content the place a listing is being launched.
The Chicago Handbook of Type gives a succinct definition for the colon:
“A colon introduces a component or sequence of parts illustrating or amplifying what has preceded the colon. Between unbiased clauses it capabilities very like a semicolon, although extra strongly emphasizing sequence. The colon could also be used as a substitute of a interval to introduce a sequence of associated sentences.” (Chicago Handbook of Type, fifteenth Version p. 257)
On this article, we’ll discover the most typical colon purposes for writers. The knowledge right here is just not definitive as full protection of colons would represent a brief e-book slightly than a single weblog put up, however I’ll try and reply essentially the most fundamental questions on utilizing the colon in your writing.
Punctuation Marks: The Colon
Capitalization
One of the crucial difficult points relating to colon utilization is whether or not or not the phrase following a colon needs to be capitalized. Usually, it’s not capitalized except that phrase is a correct noun. Nevertheless, there are exceptions: (once more, see what I did there?)
- When a colon introduces multiple sentence, the primary phrase following the colon needs to be capitalized.
- When a colon introduces dialogue, the primary phrase following the colon needs to be capitalized.
- When a colon introduces a quote, the primary phrase following the colon needs to be capitalized.
Full Sentences
We most steadily see the colon used to introduce a listing. In circumstances like this, the textual content previous the colon is finest formatted as a whole sentence. This, nevertheless, needs to be checked in opposition to the relevant fashion information.
We’re going to: discuss colons. (not the popular format)
We’re going to do the next: discuss colons. (Be aware that the textual content earlier than the colon types a whole sentence)
Colon Classifications and Examples
Beneath are a listing of colon courses together with examples to reveal every sort of colon in motion.
Appositive colons introduce sentences which can be in apposition to the sentence previous the colon: The colon was not mandatory: I deleted it.
Segmental colons introduce dialogue and are used with different punctuation marks, together with citation marks: My artistic writing instructor was particular in her lecture on colons: “Solely use them when mandatory.”
Syntactical-deductive colons introduce a logical consequence: The sentence ended with a colon: extra textual content was positive to observe.
Syntactical-descriptive colons introduce an outline (normally an outline set): The colon is comparable in look to 2 different punctuation marks: the semicolon and the interval.
Colons with Dialogue
The colon is usually used to introduce speech in a dialogue (equivalent to a script). Right here is an instance:
Trainer: Why did you employ a colon right here?
Pupil: I believed it regarded good.
Be aware that within the script assemble, the citation marks are absent. In case you are writing a play, screenplay, teleplay, or some other form of script, it is best to test with an industry-specific fashion information to make sure that you’re making use of correct formatting. That features colon utilization in addition to citation marks!
Utilizing Punctuation Marks in Submissions
In an article titled “Formatting Your Manuscript – The Silent Scream,” Lynn Worth, the editorial director for Behler Publications, gives a transparent tip for writers who’re contemplating punctuating with a colon. I’ll go away you along with her recommendation:
Watch out together with your use of colons. They’ve a clinic-y really feel to them, and so they can simply take the softness and poetic taste out of your writing. Consider using a comma or semi-colon as a substitute. In case you don’t, likelihood is your editor will.
