Colons (:) Pg. 258

Introduction Indicates that a list, a quotation, or some form of explanation follows

Simple Uses Greetings of business letters Times of day Dear Sir or Madam: To Whom This May Concern: Times of day 7:45 12:30 References to some holy books Psalms 23:7 Qur’an 75:22

Uses Use a colon to introduce a list of items Often follow words like these or the following NEVER USE A COLON AFTER A VERB OR PREPOSITION The school needed the following items: toilet paper, soap, and toilet bowl cleaner.

Uses Between two independent clauses where the second summarizes the first. Use to introduce a long or formal quotation Before the games, the athletes had to affirm their eligibility to compete: they swore a solemn oath to Zeus. Marvin told me exactly what he thought of my outfit: “It is horrible and ugly.”

Practice The pentathlon included the following five events discus, long jump, javelin, running, and wrestling. Before the game players had to prove their eligibility they had to sign a waiver. Stan told Alison exactly what he thought “That is a hideous outfit and you should take it off.” : : :