Colons: Rules for using a colon.

Rule 1 Use a colon to signal the reader that a series of words, phrases, or clauses follows a complete sentence. The baseball coach claimed that the team's success stemmed from four things: consistent hitting, solid pitching, good fielding, and excellent teamwork.

Rule 2 Use a colon to signal the reader that a second complete sentence explains a closely related preceding sentence. The supervisor's remark was straight to the point: I won't tolerate workers who show up late.

Rule 3 Use a colon to signal the reader that a name or description follows a complete sentence when you want to put a lot of emphasis on that item. The preoccupied burglar didn't notice who was standing right behind him: a smiling police officer.

Rule 4 Use a colon to introduce a long quotation after a complete sentence. In his book, Richard Weaver described how language may influence us: Sophistications of theory cannot obscure the truth that there are but three ways for language to affect us. It can move us toward what is good; it can move us toward what is evil; or it can, in hypothetical third place, fail to move us at all. (60)

Rule 5 to separate titles and subtitles: Richard Nixon: The Tarnished President

Rule 6 to express time The accident occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

Rule 7 to cite a law or Biblical passage According to Minnesota statute 1:49:002, it is unlawful to feed licorice or peanut butter to goats. Most all children, who attend Sunday school, learn the Bible verse, John 3:16.

Rule 8 to end a salutation in a business letter Dear Mr. Smith: To Whom It May Concern: Dear Sir or Madame:

Rule 9 to separate the place of publication and the publisher in a bibliographic entry West, Gerald. How to Write Best Sellers. New York: Henry James Publishing, 1973.

Add COLONS 1. You need these guys Will, Boyd, Jeff, and Jim. 2. She had three personality flaws pride, selfishness, and a temper. 3. For the campout we will need the following things a tent, three sleeping bags, and a gas lantern. 4. Next semester I will be taking four courses Algebra II, English Literature, American History, and Biology III. 5. One of my favorite verses from the Bible is Philippians 4 13.

Add COLONS 6. They were worried about Fred he would fall asleep at work and spend too much time alone. 7. Volume 20 pages 22-28 had the material that I needed. 8. The polls close promptly at 800 P.M.

Answers 1. You need these guys: Will, Boyd, Jeff, and Jim. 2. She had three personality flaws: pride, selfishness, and a temper. 3. For the campout we will need the following things: a tent, three sleeping bags, and a gas lantern. 4. Next semester I will be taking four courses: Algebra II, English Literature, American History, and Biology III. 5. One of my favorite verses from the Bible is Philippians 4:13.

Answers 6. They were worried about Fred: he would fall asleep at work and spend too much time alone. 7. Volume 20: pages 22-28 had the material that I needed. 8. The polls close promptly at 8:00 P.M.