1. What Does a Colon Do?
Sieun Lee IST511

2. We use colons all the time. But are we using them correctly?
Take a look at the sentence.
Every repairman must have: a screwdriver, hammer, and a saw.
Is the colon used correctly?

3. Then it is a very popular but,
Did you answer “yes”?
Then it is a very popular but,

4. A WRONG ANSWER!!!

5. Then, how do we use a colon?
Rule 1: Use a colon after an independent clause.
There are three things every repairman should have: a screwdriver, a hammer and a saw.

6. Don’t use a colon unless it follows a complete sentence
To cook Korean BBQ, you should have:  beef, soy sauce, garlic, sugar and sesame oil.
To cook Korean BBQ, you should have the following ingredients: beef, soy sauce, garlic, sugar and sesame oil.
(X)
(O)
Yummy!

7. Rule 2: Do not use a colon after namely or for example
I love several subjects at MIST, namely: writing workshop and technology workshop.
I love several subjects at MIST, namely writing workshop and technology workshop.
(X)
(O)

8. Rule 3: Use a colon to separate a title and a subtitle.
Like here! Or here! Math Applications: Using Calculus to Determine the Age of Rocks.

9. Let’s practice. Can you correct the sentences?
My best friends are: Amy, Chris, and Kelly.
My best friends are Amy, Chris, and Kelly.
Sports Marketing-How to Obtain Sponsorship
Sports Marketing: How to Obtain Sponsorship

10. References
Anatomy of large intestine [Online image]. Retrieved June 21, 2010 from:
Colon [Online image]. Retrieved June 21, 2010 from:
Sad Face [Online image]. Retrieved June 21, 2010 from:
Strunk , W. Jr., & White, E. B. (2009). The Elements of Style (50th anniversary ed. ) New York, NY: Pearson Longman.
Using colons. (2001). Retrieved June 21, 2010 from: