Colons Flashcards
1
Q
What are colons mainly used for?
A
They are put before a list or explanation that is preceded by a clause that can stand by itself. Think of the colon as a gate, inviting one to go on:
There is only one thing left to do now: confess while you still have time
The charter review committee now includes the following people:
the mayor
the chief of police
the fire chief
the chair of the town council
2
Q
Can you use a colon to separate an independent clause from a quotation?
A
Yes.
The acting director often used her favorite quotation from Shakespeare’s Tempest: “We are such stuff as dreams are made on; and our little life is rounded with a sleep.”
