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The colon silently tells the reader, “Listen up. This is going to be important to you.” There are several instances where colons can be used correctly:
There are many animals that I like: horses, dogs, cats, mice, cows, and squirrels.
I made it very clear how he could show his affection: holding open the door, pulling out my seat, even just smiling at me.
In both examples, the colon follows an independent clause (has a subject and a predicate) and introduces a list of examples. The lists further clarify what the speaker is trying to express.
Examples:
One cannot deny reality: what will be, will be.
We all know that we cannot change one thing: the past.
In each of these examples, the colon replaces the use of a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses.
Here, the colon is once again used to join two independent clauses. While the use of a period would also be grammatically acceptable, the colon provides a better sense of anticipation.
Example:
John Kennedy once said: "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country."
She greeted me saying "very nice to see you again."
Examples:
The school master explained all the rules for using the gym auditorium such as, the time schedule and using showers.
Fifth, use a colon before a setting off a quotation.
Finally, colons can be used in letter and memo introductions, in time designations, titles, and Biblical citations.
Examples:
Dear John Doe:
4:30 p.m.
Literature Studies: Where the Rubber meets the Road
2 Corinthians 1:
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