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Using colons
Techniques > Use of language > Punctuation > Using colons
Method | Example | Discussion | See also
Method
Lists
Use colons before a list, either in-line (use for single words or short phrases) or a set of bullet-points (use for longer phrases and sentences).
Contrastive separation
Use the colon to separate two sentences when there is a strong contrast between the two sentences that you wish to highlight.
For a weaker separation, a semicolon might be used.
Causal connection
Use the colon to show cause and effect, but without having to use words such as 'because'.
Example
There are three uses of the colon: the list, the contrastive separation and rolling the drums. (list)
Good language changes minds: poor language gets you teased. (contrastive)
I am weak: I cannot lift that box.
Discussion
Colons separate, but not as strongly as periods. In speech, they provide a pause: longer than a semicolon, but shorter than a period.
The colon can act as a roll on the drums, accentuating the difference between two sentences.
See also
Using periods, Using semicolons
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