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 The colon
The colon looks like a full stop hovering over another
full stop.

The colon can be used to introduce a list.

It can also be used to link two clauses where the second clause expands
on the first and adds more detail.
Over the next few slides you will become more familiar with exactly
how and when to use the colon.

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 Using a colon to introduce a list
A colon can be used to introduce a list.
The first part of the sentence has to make sense on its own.

Example
s:
A. The children could choose from
a selection of desserts: ice-cream, In sentence A the first part of the sentence
apple pie, chocolate cake or trifle. makes sense on its own, so the use of a colon is
correct.

B. The children could choose In sentence B the first part of the sentence does
whether to have ice-cream, apple not make sense on its own and is part of the
pie, chocolate cake or trifle. ‘flow’ of the sentence, so a colon is not needed
here.

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 Using a colon to introduce a list
Your turn
Rewrite the following sentences including a colon to introduce the list each time.

James invited 6 friends to his party Sam, When you go shopping, please can you buy me these
Harry, Lewis, Kiera, Mia and Elliott. things bread, cheese, teabags, bananas, sugar and ham.

Answer
s
James invited 6 friends to his party: When you go shopping, please can you buy me these
Sam, Harry, Lewis, Kiera, Mia and Elliott. things: bread, cheese, teabags, bananas, sugar and ham.

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 In summary…
Use a colon: 2. To introduce a definition.
1. To introduce a list when the first part
of the sentence makes sense on its own.

Life cycle: the changes that an

organism undergoes during its life
E.g. These ingredients are needed for
the chocolate cake: flour, sugar,
butter, cocoa powder and eggs.
3. To introduce dialogue in a play-script.

FRED: I don’t believe in ghosts!

4. When writing a time.

3:00pm, 2:25pm etc.

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