When using a colon to introduce a list what must follow?

Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare. You need to grab these three things for the laundry: laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets.

What must always come before the colon What must a colon always follow?

Rules to Remember

The hard and fast rule is that a colon must ALWAYS follow a complete sentence. … A colon is used after a full sentence or independent clause to introduce something that illustrates, clarifies, or amplifies what was said in the sentence that preceded the colon.

Does a colon have to be followed by a list?

It is therefore correct to use a colon before the list. … This means that no colon is needed and it would be incorrect to use one before the list. So if you have a list, remember you only use a colon before it if the list follows a clause that could be used on its own.

How do you use a colon after a list?

When listing items one by one, one per line, following a colon, capitalization and ending punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases preceded by letters, numbers, or bullet points. If each point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end the sentence with appropriate ending punctuation.

When should you use a colon?

A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. Emphasis—Capitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence.

When listing things do you use a colon or semicolon?

Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list. He took three things on the hike; his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick. He took three things on the hike: his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick.

What punctuation do you use for a list?

colon
Introducing a list. The colon is used to introduce a list of items.

What is a colon example?

A colon can be used to introduce a list. … For example, “Here’s a list of groceries I need: a loaf of bread, a quart of milk, and a stick of butter.” The words preceding the colon stand as a complete, grammatically correct sentence.

When should you use or?

Or is a conjunction that connects two or more possibilities or alternatives. It connects words, phrases and clauses which are the same grammatical type: Which do you prefer? Leather or suede?

How do you list a sentence example?

To list items within a sentence, use lowercase letters in parentheses to identify each item. Use the correct punctuation— either commas or semi-colons— to separate the items in a list.

What is your colon?

The longest part of the large intestine (a tube-like organ connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other). The colon removes water and some nutrients and electrolytes from partially digested food.

How do you write a good introduction?

Introductions
  1. Attract the Reader’s Attention. Begin your introduction with a “hook” that grabs your reader’s attention and introduces the general topic. …
  2. State Your Focused Topic. After your “hook”, write a sentence or two about the specific focus of your paper. …
  3. State your Thesis. Finally, include your thesis statement.

How do you use a list in a paragraph?

Series. If you are including a simple, relatively short list of three to five items within a paragraph —also known as a series—the proper formatting is to: (a) precede the list with a comma, (b) label each item with a lowercase letter enclosed in parentheses, and (c) separate each item with commas or semicolons.

How do you write a list?

You should create bulleted lists starting with a lead-in then using between 4-10 list items. For most list items, you will use bullet points. A bulleted list delineates items in which the order doesn’t matter, such as items on a grocery list or types of software.

What is introduction and example?

The definition of introduction is making something known for the first time, or formally telling two people who the other person is. An example of introduction is when you create a new product and tell customers about it in a commercial. … A means, such as a personal letter, of presenting one person to another.