Rule 1: Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is do not apply or are not appropriate. Show Examples: Rule 2: A colon usually does not precede a list unless it follows a complete sentence. Examples: To be successful in sales, one should (a) dress appropriately, (b) ask customers about their needs, and (c) follow through. Rule 3: With tabular format, a colon customarily precedes a list. If the introductory statement is a complete sentence and the listed items are complete sentences as well, the listed items are capitalized and punctuated as complete sentences. Examples: If the listed items are each a separate completion of the introductory statement, the listed items are punctuated accordingly and are not capitalized. To be successful in sales, one should: It is also acceptable to use and before the last phrase, making the listed items a continuation of the introductory statement. As continuations, they would be punctuated with commas and not capitalized. To be successful in sales, one should: Note: To be successful in sales, one should: To be successful in sales, one should: Note: With lists, you may use periods after numbers and letters instead of parentheses. For our meeting on Tuesday, please: Pop Quiz Pop Quiz Answers 1. The following are required: (a) wet suits, (b) fins, (c) snorkels. Advertisement If the article or the existing discussions do not address a thought or question you have on the subject, please use the "Comment" box at the bottom of this page. Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated. Rules for Using Semicolons
Avoid using a comma when a semicolon is needed:
What’s going on here? Both parts of the sentence are independent clauses, and commas should not be used to connect independent clauses if there is no coordinating conjunction. This mistake is known as a comma splice.
What’s going on here? The conjunctive adverb however signals a connection between two independent clauses, and commas should not be used to connect independent clauses if there is no coordinating conjunction.
What’s going on here? It’s unclear what the three list items are, since the items are separated by commas.
What’s going on here? It’s unclear where the first independent clause ends and the second independent clause begins. Avoid using a semicolon when a comma is needed:
What’s going on here? The first part is not an independent clause, so no semicolon is required. |