Name______Date______
Semicolons and Colons (Uses of the Colon) Practice 1
Uses of the Colon Use a colon to introduced a list of items after an independent clause; a quotation that is normal, lengthy, or lacking a “he said/she said” expression: a sentence that summarizes or explains the sentence before it; or a formal appositive that follows an independent clause.
IntroductoryList
Quotation
Summary Sentence
Formal Appositive / The arrangement consisted entirely of spring flowers; irises, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths.
Ellen waved goodbye: “Have a good trip.”
The paper reported the election results: All three present school board members were unseated.
The class play will be an American classic: Our Town.
In addition, use a colon in the following special situations.
Other uses of the ColonNumerals Giving Time
Periodical References
Biblical References
Subtitles
Salutations in Business Letters
Labels Signaling Important Ideas / 8:17 AM 11:57 PM
National Geographic XI: 241 (volume: page)
I Corinthians 13: 4-13 (chapter: verse(s))
Pierre: A Cautionary Tale
Dear Ms. Adamson:
Gentlemen:
Caution: Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Exercise 1: Using Colons Correctly. Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences.
Example: The recipe calls for three basic spices garlic, parsley, and thyme.
The recipe calls for three basic spices: garlic, parsley, and thyme.
1. Jeremy unfolded the note “meet me in the gym after school.”
2. The express, which was due at 8 14, did not arrive until 9 00 PM.
3. Two actors have refused Academy Awards George C. Scott and Marlon Brando.
4. The three magazines with the largest paid subscriptions last year were these TV Scene, Reader’s Review, and National Reflections Magazine.
5. Warning this cabinet contains dangerous electrical equipment.
Example 2 More work with Colons Follow the directions for exercise 1.
1. The text of the sermon was Matthew 10 8.
2. I am reporting on a biography titled Gandhi Fighter Without a Sword.
3. Caution Read this manual completely before using your power sled.
4. Flight 401 leaves LaGuardia Airport at 8 40 AM each weekday.
5. The president banged the gavel “Let the meeting come to order.”
Semicolons and Colons (Use of the Colon) Practice 2
Exercise 1 Using Colons as Introductory Devices. In each of the following sentences, add colons where they are needed and underline any words that should be capitalized.
Example: You will hear about a man with talent and imagination he is a man whose work you know well.
You will hear about a man with talent and imagination: he is a man whose work you know well.
(1) This man was born December 5, 1901, and until his death in 1966, he carried one of the best known names in the world Walt Disney. (2) Of course, he is best remembered as the creator of some of our most beloved cartoon characters Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Donald Duck. (3) Walt Disney studied one subject with diligence he concentrated on art. (4) Walt Disney felt he had to go to the one city where he could possibly become successful he headed to Hollywood. (5) In Hollywood, he made money from his drawings, but he finally hit success with a now-classic Mickey Mouse cartoon short “Steamboat Willie.” (6) Disney went on to create many of the following famous films Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, and Mary Poppins. (7) In 1955, he started something that was to change family entertainment he opened Disneyland. (8) Parents appreciated Walt Disney “Our children can explore the words of Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Adventureland in a clean environment.” (9) Several years later, Disney directed his efforts in a new direction television. (10) Yes, Disney has left us the kind of memorials that will continue to be enjoyed by millions Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Bambi, and the rest of the Disney gang.
Exercise 2: Using Colons for Special Writing Situations. Add necessary colons in each of the following items.
Example: Our textbook is Psychology Exploring Behavior.
Our textbook is Psychology: Exploring Behavior.
1. Warning Pull the plug after you finish using the iron.
2. School ended at 2 35 PM, and we were expected to be ready for the presentation at 3 00 PM.
3. The Readers’ Guide listed Green Garden Magazine 1623, but I could not find that issue.
4. “Dear Mr. Nelson” is the way I started my business letter.
5. The Old Testament reading came from Palms 1305.
6. I read Caring for Livestock a Guide for Beginners.
7. I should be finished with my homework at 10 00 PM.
8. Danger This water is polluted. No swimming is allowed.
9. Note the meeting will begin one hour late.
10. The movie starts at 7 30 PM.