"Before you write that comma, pause; is it an independent clause?
Two dots make a colon exist; use one before you make a list."
Remember this grammar role? Well, the first part is about semicolons and the second is about colons. Once you understand how to use semicolons, colons are quite straightforward. Here are a few things to remember about using colons:
1. Just like semicolons, they must come after an independent clause (part of a sentence that would make sense on its own).
2. They can be used to introduce a list. There are three prime colours: red, yellow, and blue.
3. They can be used to finish of a statement of fact. There is only one red form at GFS: Harrison.
If you're really going for it, you can use a colon to introduce a list and then use semicolons to separate the items in that list. If you can master this skill you are a true wordsmith (three of you did this in your end of year exams).
Alton Towers has the best rides of any theme park: the Nemesis, one of the biggest roller coasters in the world; Rita, the fastest ride in Britain; Oblivion, one of the scariest rides ever made; and Smiler, which I haven't been on yet.
1. Just like semicolons, they must come after an independent clause (part of a sentence that would make sense on its own).
2. They can be used to introduce a list. There are three prime colours: red, yellow, and blue.
3. They can be used to finish of a statement of fact. There is only one red form at GFS: Harrison.
If you're really going for it, you can use a colon to introduce a list and then use semicolons to separate the items in that list. If you can master this skill you are a true wordsmith (three of you did this in your end of year exams).
Alton Towers has the best rides of any theme park: the Nemesis, one of the biggest roller coasters in the world; Rita, the fastest ride in Britain; Oblivion, one of the scariest rides ever made; and Smiler, which I haven't been on yet.
Questions
Correct the errors in the following sentences or write 'correct' if they are correct. Leave your answers as comments and I will reply.
1. We have set this restriction, do your homework before you watch TV.
2. I have just one sport I play in the summer; cricket.
3. When the music starts playing: it's time to go to lunch.
4. They all fell at the same time, the tray, the cutlery, and the lunch. It was impossible to catch them all.
5. I would like to see the following people after the lesson, Khan, Alfie and Craig.
6. The iPhone has some interesting new features: a front camera, 4G, and Siri.
7. There are three stages to a triathlon, swim, bike and run.
8. It isn't fair to do that, they won't understand.
1. We have set this restriction, do your homework before you watch TV.
2. I have just one sport I play in the summer; cricket.
3. When the music starts playing: it's time to go to lunch.
4. They all fell at the same time, the tray, the cutlery, and the lunch. It was impossible to catch them all.
5. I would like to see the following people after the lesson, Khan, Alfie and Craig.
6. The iPhone has some interesting new features: a front camera, 4G, and Siri.
7. There are three stages to a triathlon, swim, bike and run.
8. It isn't fair to do that, they won't understand.