PunctuationColon

1Arundathie Abeysinghe

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Colon One of the easiest forms of punctuation Its basic function is to introduce – words,

lists, phrases, salutations (in business letters), to provide additional details and explanations

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A colon gives emphasis to a statement

A reader pays attention to what comes next

e.g. Monica has only one thing on her mind: her child.

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Used after the salutation (formal or business letter)

Dear Sir: Dear Madam: To whom it may concern:

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To provide additional details and explanations

e.g. She had many reasons to read for a Bachelor of Engineering: to get additional qualifications, to get a good job and to improve her knowledge

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To introduce lists or ideas e.g. I have visited many countries:

Australia, Thailand, France and Germany

Aditya is successful in life because of one good quality: he is hard working.

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To introduce a direct quotation e.g. She announced to her friends:

“I will be going abroad.”

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Do not use a colon after a verb Do not keep a space before a

colon Keep a space after a colon

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Incorrect: My favorite foods are: rice, noodles and pasta. My favorite countries are: the United States of

America, Australia, Germany and France. Correct: I have three favorite foods: rice, noodles and pasta. I have four favorite countries: the United States of

America, Australia, Germany and FranceArundathie Abeysinghe 9

Thank you!Arundathie Abeysinghe 10