Punctuation Mark: Colon

Colon (:)

The colon is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots centered on the same vertical line. It is commonly known as “i.e”.

Ø  Using in English

· Introducing Lists

In this sense the colon introduces a description; in particular, it makes explicit the elements of a set.

-        I have three sisters: Daphne, Rose, and Suzanne.

-        The car has a number of optional extras: sun roof, tinted windows, rear seat-belts, and electrically adjustable wing mirrors.

· Placed before Explanation

            Put a colon to point an explanation. For example:

-      Choosing the kit was easy: there were three good sport shops within walking distance.

-        There can be only one reason for this delay: incompetence.

· Dialogues

This form is still used in written dialogues, such as in a play. The colon indicates that the words following an individual's name are spoken by that individual:

Patient: Doctor, I feel like a pair of curtains.

Doctor: Pull yourself together!

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Sources:

Cooper, T., Fallas, J., & Flaherty, F. (2011). English Style Guide: Seventh edition. European Commission.

Englishclub.com. (2013). Punctuation. Retrieved from http://www.englishclub.com/writing/punctuation.htm.

Phythian, B. A. (2012). Correct English: Pedoman Belajar Bahasa Inggris. Jakarta : PT. Indeks.

       Wikipedia. (2013). Punctuation. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Punctuation.