When is a colon put in a sentence?It is usually used in complex sentences or where there are homogeneous members expressed by any part of speech. In this article, we will tell you when a colon is placed. So, below is a list of rules that govern the formulation of this punctuation mark and specific examples. When is the colon inserted?
Russian language rules
1. In the event that after the words of the author in the sentence there is a direct speech. Examples:
Going to the counter, Alexey said: "Please give me a bag of milk."
I thought, “Is it worth trusting him?”
If the sentence does not use direct speech and there is indirect speech (for example, "I thought it would be nice to come on time"), the colon is not used. Instead, unions and commas are used.
2. A colon is placed if two sentences are combined into one without the help of alliances, and the second part reveals the meaning of the words of the first one. Example:
We finally came down from the mountain and looked around: in front of us was the cleanest lake.
Two guards saw: the thieves still ran away.
3. A colon is also placed if the sentence consists of several parts (composite). In this case, two situations are possible:
• The second part of the sentence reveals the meaning of the first. Example:
Elena was right: the only person who could stop him was his father.
Ivan did not trust him: he was afraid that Simon would deceive him again.
• The second part describes the reason. Example:
I didn’t trust you for nothing: you were always silent and extremely cold.
4. When is the colon inserted? In the sentence after the generalizing word and before listing anything with which it ends. Example:
All his relatives lived in this house:mother, father, aunt, grandmother and mother-in-law. Her apartment was so clean that everything seemed to shine: dishes, mirrors, and even the floor. Predators are found in this forest: wolves, foxes and bears.
5. The colon is put in the sentence, if there is a transfer of something, but there is no generalizing word. Example:
From the bag stuck: wallet, documents, hairbrush and a passport.
From the apartment out: a woman, a man and a child.
6. The colon is put in the case of listing something, the presence of a generalizing word or the following words: “like that”, “for example”, “namely”. Examples:
He had many plans for the near future, for example: buy a computer, go to rest and get married.
Eugene was interested in information about the city of Astrakhan, namely: when it was founded, how many people live in it and what sights there are.
Other cases
When is the colon put still?
• In mathematics as a division mark. Example: 6: 3 = 2.
• In information technology in the designation of computer disks. Example: D: R: and so on.
Now you know when a colon is placed, andFeel free to use it. Often due to illiteracy or inattention, a “dash” sign can be used instead of this punctuation mark. This is an unacceptable violation of the norms of the Russian language. And in mathematics, the division mark can be indicated by several options: 6/3 = 2 or 6: 3 = 2.
