Colons · Year 9
In Year 9 you learn: a colon for effect.
A colon : introduces something that the first part of the sentence points to: a list, an explanation, or a single word or idea that you want to stand out. The words before a colon must make a complete sentence. You will need three things: a pen, a ruler and a rubber.
Key facts
- A colon can make a single word or idea stand out at the end of a sentence: There was only one way out: the window.
Worked examples
Example 1
Add a colon: Bring three things a pencil, a ruler and a sharpener.
Answer: Bring three things: a pencil, a ruler and a sharpener.
Example 2
Which sentence uses the colon correctly? We need: eggs, milk and bread. or We need three things: eggs, milk and bread.
Answer: We need three things: eggs, milk and bread.
Example 3
Explain the effect of the colon: The verdict was clear: guilty.
Answer: it makes the reader pause before a single, dramatic word
Example 4
Rewrite with a colon so that the last word stands out: There was only one thing left to do and that was to run.
Answer: There was only one thing left to do: run.
Example 5
Pick a colon or a semicolon for each gap: He had one fear ___ heights. She loves maths ___ her brother loves art.
Answer: : then ;