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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Grammar Videos
(ordered by category) Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
for your browser
Colon to Extend a Sentence
Colon to Extend a Sentence
A colon can be used to introduce some more information about something mentioned earlier in the sentence. For example:- He wanted just one thing: revenge.
- He knew what his wish would be: the ability to turn stones into gold.
- He wanted just one thing: he wanted it since he was boy.
- He wanted just one thing. He wanted it since he was boy.
- He wanted just one thing; he wanted it since he was boy.
Four Essential Writing Tools
The colon is one of four essential writing tools to add variety to sentence structures and to control emphasis and reading flow. The other three are the semicolon, the dash, and ellipsis (i.e., three dots).Examples of Colons Used Correctly
Here are some examples of colons used correctly:- The cat's fur was found in two rooms: the bedroom and the kitchen.
- His success is attributed to one thing: determination.
- It is by the fortune of God that we have three benefits: freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and the wisdom never to use either.
(Writer Mark Twain)
(The text after the colon expands on "three benefits.")
- He will be the winner of our oldest award: the Arthur Scotland Trophy.
- Ian had caught 3 fish: a perch and 2 gudgeon.
- I have made an important discovery: alcohol, taken in sufficient quantities, produces all the effects of intoxication.
(Playwright Oscar Wilde)
(The text after the colon expands on "an important discovery.")
- In this world, there are only two tragedies: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.
(Playwright Oscar Wilde)
(The text after the colon expands on "two tragedies.")
Examples of Colons Used Incorrectly
Here are some examples of colons used incorrectly:- Ian had caught 3 fish: this was the first time he had been fishing.
- Janice liked to talk: she often exaggerated.
- Janice liked to talk. She often exaggerated.
- Janice liked to talk; she often exaggerated.
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