Section 1

The Colon

Pages 49-53

OST164 Text Editing Applications

The Colon ¶187Use a colon between two independent clauses when the second clause explains or illustrates the first clause and there is no coordinating conjunction or transitional expression linking the two clauses.

I have a special fondness for the Maine coast: it reminds me of the many happy summers we spent there before our children went off to college.

I have two major hurdles to clear before I get my Ph.D.: I need to pass the oral exam and write a dissertation.

The Colon ¶188- ¶191When a clause contains an anticipatory expression (such as the following, as follows, here is, thus, and these) and directs attention to a series of explanatory words, phrases, or clauses, use a colon between the clause and the series.

These are some of the new features in this year’s modes: a fuel economy indicator, a new read suspension, and a three-year limited warranty.

The following staff members have been selected to attend the national sales conference in Honolulu: Frances Berkowitz Thomas Gomez

Some of the questions that this book answers are these: How can you ….?

When hours and minutes are expressed in figures, separate them with a colon, as in the expression 8:25

A colon is used to represent the word to in proportions, as in the ratio 2:1.

In each case, NO space precedes or follows this colon.

The Colon ¶192- ¶193

The Colon - ¶194In business documents, use the colon for:

Attention line Attention:Subject line Subject:Enclosure notation Enclosures: Enclosure notation Under separate over:Carbon copy notation cc: “or” Copies to:Postscript PS:

Use the colon in memos after displayed guide words: TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT:

Use the colon in business documents: SHIP TO: BILL TO: DISTRIBUTION:

The Colon – ¶195Use a colon (followed by one space) to separate the title and the subtitle of a book.

Be sure to read The New Financial Order: Risk in the Twenty-First Century.

A colon may be used to separate volume number and page number in footnotes and similar references. (Leave no space before or after the colon.)

Volume 8, pages 763-766 would be 8:763-766

A reference to chapter and verse in the Bible is

handled the same way. Isaiah 55:10

The Colon ¶196-¶197Do NOT capitalize the first word after a colon if the material that follows cannot stand alone as a sentence.All cash advances must be countersigned by me, with one exception: when the amount is less than $50. (dependent clause after colon)

Do NOT capitalize the first word of an independent clause after a colon if the clause explains, illustrates, or amplifies the thought expressed in the first part of the sentence.Essential and nonessential elements require altogether different punctuation: the latter should be set off by commas; the former, should not.

The Colon ¶198Capitalize the first word of an independent clause after a colon if it requires special emphasis or is presented as a formal rule.

Let me say this: If the company is to recover from its present difficulties……

Here is the key principle: Nonessential elements must be.….

Although index investing derives from the theory that the markets operate efficiently, its intellectual foundation is based on a simple truth: It is impossible for all stock investors…..

The Colon ¶199 (a-b-d)Also capitalize the first word after a colon under these circumstances:

When the material following the colon consists of two or more sentences.There are several drawbacks to this proposal: First, it will tie up a good deal of capital for the next five years. Second, the likelihood of a significant….

The material following the colon is a quoted sentence.Frederick responded in this way: “We expect to win….”

When the material preceding the colon is a short introductory word such as Note, Caution, or Remember.Note: All expense reports must be submitted no later…..