Colon — English definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A punctuation mark (:) that introduces a list, explanation, or quotation after a complete independent clause. (English 9: Experience, Perspective & Inquiry)
- A punctuation mark (:) that follows a complete independent clause to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation. (English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences)
Where it is taught
- Semicolons, Colons & Parallel Structure — Language, Style & Conventions, English 9: Experience, Perspective & Inquiry, Grade 9
- Conventions of Standard English — Language, Style & Conventions, English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences, Grade 10
In use
A semicolon can join related independent clauses; a colon can introduce an explanation or list after a complete independent clause.
Semicolons, Colons & Parallel Structure
Read through a draft one error type at a time — a pass for comma splices, a pass for agreement, a pass to check every colon has a complete clause in front of it — because scanning for a single pattern is far more reliable than hoping mistakes jump out on their own.
Conventions of Standard English
Questions using colon
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
A semicolon joins two complete, closely related sentences (independent clauses) with no conjunction, while a colon follows one complete sentence and introduces a list, explanation, or quotation that doesn't need to be a full sentence.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
Answers vary; the sentence must have a complete independent clause before the colon, followed by a list of exactly three items, such as, 'The team needed three things: focus, practice, and confidence.'
Problem 3
- The kit contains: bandages, tape, and scissors.
- We should bring: a tent and a stove.
- The rule was simple: leave no trace.
- She was tired: after the long climb.
Answer and explanation
The rule was simple: leave no trace.
A colon must follow a complete independent clause; 'The rule was simple' stands alone, and the colon introduces what the rule is. The other options place a colon after an incomplete clause.