1. Colons
Power punctuation

2. Review Semicolons When do you use a semicolon?
Why do you use a semicolon?

3. Punctuation Bonds Period – weakest bond Semicolon – moderate bond
Colon – strongest bond

4. General Information
Colons are used when you prepare the audience for what comes next.
Example: What she saw on the floor made her heart begin to race: there were drops of blood by the table.

5. Rule #1 You can only use a colon after a complete sentence.
Example: It was clear the boss only had one pet peeve: tardiness to meetings.
Non-example: The boss’s pet peeve was: tardiness to meetings.

6. Rule #2 Never use a colon after a verb.
NON-Example: I usually like to play: Halo, Mario, and Tetris.

7. Rule #3
The part after the colon doesn’t NEED to be a complete sentence.
Example 1: The most important thing in any relationship is always the same: honesty.
Example 2: I am feeling sick today: I have a headache, and I’m nauseated.

8. Words to live by
When using a colon, think about the first part as preparing the reader and building suspense for the second part.

9. Practice I have three hobbies I collect coins, read, and knit.
There is only one thing you need to do after school clean the bathroom.
I’m elated I just found out I’m going to Hawaii!

10. Signal Words/Phrases The following As follows These/Those _______
I need you to pick up the following: milk, eggs, and fabric softener.
As follows
The directions are as follows: write your name on the paper, read the story, and answer the questions.
These/Those _______
Life would not be the same without these people: my brother, my mom, and my best friend.

11. Practice