Colon connections:

:         

      The punctuation mark with two dots, one on top of the other, is called a colon.  The colon works as a regulator. It helps keep the idea, story, or dialogue moving forward. The details that follow a colon prove, explain, or list elements of what was expressed before it.

     Here are ways that the colon is used:

• unites two clauses: Don’t ever forget: I’ll still be here when you come back home.
• introduces a description: She has too many animals living in her house: four dogs, two cats, and a bird.
• introduces a vertical list:
• people
• places
• things
• ideas
• commonly used to replace quotes in a dialogue: Mrs. Thomas was at her wits end: "Go to the principal's office," she yelled at the unruly student.
• introduces the logical outcome in a sentence: Bonnie and Tucker finally set a wedding date: They’ve been engaged for six years.
• introduction of a definition: B: the second letter in the English alphabet.
• separates chapter and verse(s) when quoting scripture: John 3:16
• separates a title and corresponding subtitle:  Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl
• used after a salutation in a business letter: Dear Dr. Markowitz:
• used to designate a speaker in a play or court testimony:
• Tyler: I’m sorry Anne. I didn’t mean to hurt you.
•  Anne: Your apology won’t work this time. This relationship is over.

Punctuation points:

• Use one space after a colon.
• The sentence following a colon begins with a capital letter in the following instances:
• When a colon introduces more than one sentence.
• When a colon introduces dialogue. 
• When a colon introduces a quote. 
• otherwise tell your English teacher to relax!
• keep the quotations marks when introducing dialogue (unless you are writing a script).
• A colon occasionally acts as a stand-in for a comma or a period. However, ditch the colon whenever possible.
• The colon tends to have a hard-core feel. Creative writers should shy away from using a colon whenever possible. If you’re writing a police report, court testimony, or otherwise formal document, as long as you punctuate correctly, your boss will probably love you for giving the document that “tough guy” look.

How can we help? 

We're here discuss all things grammatical.  If you have a specific homework question, need a word suggestion, or you aren't sure how to punctuatuate your phrase, post your question and Coach Felicia Write will respond within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, keep on writing it right!