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Colons

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A colon will introduce a list or an explanation.

It can be used in place of the following words/phrases,

  • Such as...
  • Include/including...
  • They are...

Ray
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A colon is rare and shouldn’t be used if it’s not required.

For example, the ingredients include: jam, flour and soap.

The above example is incorrect. We should use the word ‘include’ OR the colon, but not both.

Remember, don’t overuse colons in your writing.

Ray

Your Turn…

1. What is a colon?
A punctuation mark used to separate two verbs
A punctuation mark used introduce an explanation or list
A punctuation mark used to separate two nouns

2. Which of the following can a colon sit between?
Two main clauses
A main clause and a subordinate clause
Either of the above

3. Which of the following phrases could a colon be used in place of?
Such as
The big dog
The small cat

4. Which of the following phrases could a colon be used in place of?
Terrible trees
They are
Big men

5. Which of the following words or phrases could a colon be used in place of?
Including
The blue boat
A large pig

Score =
Correct answers:

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No cheating, or Finley will eat you!

Company Information

The Punctuation Show and everything on this site is owned by PODCASTREVISION LTD
Director: Barrie McDermid
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The mission of The Punctuation Show is to raise attainment through entertainment and encourage pupils to learn through laughter. We aim to please in everything we do and will go out of our way to provide outstanding customer service.


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