Add a colon, if necessary, to the following sentences
1. You might see the following birds in the park: owls, kingfishers, and killdeer
2. Among the causes of crop failure are excessive rainfall, drought, and pests.
3. According to the police so far there are “no suspects in the case.”
4. The arctic fox and the arctic hare have one thing in common: the white fur that allows them to blend with their surroundings.
5. The water although very cold was a beautiful icy blue.
6. This is the excuse she gave: “I locked my bike to the parking meter.”
7. If you choose to join our program, you’ll discover the quality for which we’re famous: excitement.
8. Here’s an inside tip about learning to ski: jump strap on your skis and pray.
9. There’s only one city Jacques wishes to visit on this trip: Regina.
10. I love the author of that new book: Thomas King.
thanks!
Add a colon, if necessary, to the following sentences
1. You might see the following birds in the park: owls, kingfishers, and killdeer OK
2. Among the causes of crop failure are excessive rainfall, drought, and pests. OK (no colon needed)
3. According to the police so far there are “no suspects in the case.” OK
4. The arctic fox and the arctic hare have one thing in common: the white fur that allows them to blend with their surroundings. OK
5. The water although very cold was a beautiful icy blue. OK, no colon needed, but two commas should be in there
6. This is the excuse she gave: “I locked my bike to the parking meter.” OK
7. If you choose to join our program, you’ll discover the quality for which we’re famous: excitement. OK
8. Here’s an inside tip about learning to ski: jump strap on your skis and pray. OK, but again, some commas are needed
9. There’s only one city Jacques wishes to visit on this trip: Regina. OK
10. I love the author of that new book: Thomas King. OK, I guess
=)
Here's how to determine whether a colon is necessary in each sentence:
1. You might see the following birds in the park: owls, kingfishers, and killdeer - Since the list of birds is being introduced by the sentence, a colon is necessary.
2. Among the causes of crop failure are excessive rainfall, drought, and pests - In this sentence, a colon is not necessary because the sentence flows smoothly without it.
3. According to the police so far there are “no suspects in the case.” - Here, a colon is not necessary because the sentence is a complete thought without any additional information or clarification needed.
4. The arctic fox and the arctic hare have one thing in common: the white fur that allows them to blend with their surroundings - Since the clause "the white fur that allows them to blend with their surroundings" is providing further information about the arctic fox and arctic hare, a colon is needed to introduce it.
5. The water although very cold was a beautiful icy blue - This sentence does not require a colon, but it should have two commas to set off the nonessential clause "although very cold."
6. This is the excuse she gave: "I locked my bike to the parking meter." - A colon is needed here because the sentence is introducing a direct quote.
7. If you choose to join our program, you'll discover the quality for which we're famous: excitement - Since the sentence is introducing the specific quality for which their program is famous, a colon is necessary.
8. Here's an inside tip about learning to ski: jump, strap on your skis, and pray - A colon is not required here. However, the sentence should have commas to separate the items in the list.
9. There's only one city Jacques wishes to visit on this trip: Regina - A colon is needed in this sentence to introduce the specific city Jacques wants to visit.
10. I love the author of that new book: Thomas King - This sentence requires a colon because it is introducing the author's name.
In summary, colons are necessary in sentences when they introduce a list, provide additional information, or introduce a quote or specific information.