Colon
English Language: KS3, topic 2.1.10
Using Colons for Lists
We already know we need to use commas in lists. But we can also introduce a list with a colon!
List of beach items
- At the beach, we will need: a bucket, spade, rubber dinghy and some armbands.
List of pencil case items
- In my pencil case, there is: a ruler, a sharpener, a pencil, a pen and a rubber.
List of clothes
- In my wardrobe, I have: 2 shirts, 1 pair of jeans, 3 hats and 6 pairs of socks.
List of office items
- In my office, there is: a desk, a lamp, a folder, a filing cabinet and a computer.
Using Colons to Separate Clauses
We don’t always need to use a full stop to separate main clauses. Sometimes, we can use a colon (:). Let's look at some examples...
The clock was ticking: midnight was approaching
The dog was sad: he lost his bone
The boy was hungry: he skipped breakfast
Our teacher was angry: the classroom was messy
He drove too fast: he crashed his car
Test yourself on Colon
What punctuation can we use to introduce lists?
What punctuation could you use to introduce this list?
In my brother's room, he has a chest of drawers, a television, a clock, an armchair and a bed.Which of these forms of punctuation could we use to separate main clauses?
What punctuation could you use to replace the full stop?
The girl was sad. She lost her teddy bear.In which of these sentences could you use a colon to separate the main clauses?