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Colons and Semicolons

Index

Lists

Use a colon (:) to introduce lists in a sentence.

Example

  • Jalapeño, habanero and Scotch bonnet: These three peppers together will literally melt your brain.
  • There were three considerations: feasibility, time and butter beer.


Note: The first two examples capitalizes the first word of the phrase occurring after the colon because that phrase is a complete sentence. Otherwise, do not capitalize the first word after a colon unless it's a name or other proper noun.

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Emphasis

Use a colon (:) in constructions that are meant to give emphasis:

Example

  • His only hobby: harassing witch cats.
  • He promised this: The witch cat would have her revenge.


DO NOT use a colon preceding a question. Per the "COMMAS" document, use a comma preceding a question.

Example
Incorrect: And the question of the day was: How did the ghost sock appear on the floor?
Correct: And the question of the day was, how did the ghost sock appear on the floor?

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Semicolons

Semicolons will very rarely ever be used in Custom work. Their only usage will be in complex lists.

Example:
Is the answer: A, witch cats; B, niche hats; C, rich bats; or D, lich rats?

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Contributors to this page: Dylan , cchaires and chansen .
Page last modified on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 17:08:39 EDT by Dylan. (Version 10)