2. Colons ::::::::::::::

3. When to use a colon: A colon is used to introduce lists of items, after the greeting of a business letter, and to separate hours and minutes in time expressions.

4. A colon is used to introduce lists of items. Incorrect:The following items will be required at camp, sleeping bag, tent, hiking shoes, and compass. Correct: The following items will be required at camp: sleeping bag, tent, hiking shoes, and compass.

5. A colon is used after the greeting of a business letter. Incorrect: Dear Sir, Correct: Dear Sir:

6. A colon is used to separate hours and minutes in time expressions. Incorrect: The time is 815. Correct: The time is 8:15.

7. Use a Colon… Between a complete sentence and a list or explanation, or preceding a long, formal quotation. Please note that a complete sentence must precede a colon. EXAMPLE: I hate this one course: English. (Yes, one item can constitute a list.) EXAMPLE: Defending free speech, Voltaire made this statement: “I may disagree with what you say, but I shall defend your right to say it.”

8. Examples: Ian was dissatisfied with the photos he had taken: all of them were out of focus. The reasons he cited for his success are as follows: integrity, industry, and a pleasant disposition. Three plays by William Shakespeare will be presented this summer: Hamlet, Macbeth, and Othello.

9. Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly? A. Among the books were the following items, a pen, a pencil, a pad of paper, and folder. B. Among the books were the following items: a pen, a pencil, a pad of paper, and a folder. C.Among the books were the following items; a pen, pencil, a pad of paper, and a folder. D.Among the books were the following items - a pen, pencil, a pad of paper, and a folder.

10. Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly? A. Among the books were the following items, a pen, a pencil, a pad of paper, and folder. B. Among the books were the following items: a pen, a pencil, a pad of paper, and a folder. C.Among the books were the following items; a pen, pencil, a pad of paper, and a folder. D.Among the books were the following items - a pen, pencil, a pad of paper, and a folder.

11. WARNING! DO NOT PLACE A COLON IN THESE INSTANCES …after namely or for example. …after a verb (are, include, etc.) unless the sentence ends with a verb (There are two things that make us what we are:). …after a preposition (such as, with, etc.)

12. Practice My favorite television shows come on the History Channel, such as: History’s Mysteries and Modern Marvels. My favorite television shows come on the History Channel, such as History’s Mysteries and Modern Marvels. I love several subjects at school, namely: English and statistics. I love several subjects at school, namely English and statistics.