✨ Lesson 5: The Colon (basic use: introducing lists & explanations)
Today we are learning about another useful punctuation mark: the colon1 ( : ). A colon's main job is to introduce2 something. It tells the reader, "Pay attention, here comes something important."
The Golden Rule of Colons
The most important rule to remember is that a colon must come after a complete sentence (an independent clause).
[Complete Sentence] : [List, Explanation, or Example].
Use 1: Introducing a List
We use a colon to introduce a list of items. Remember, the part before the colon must be a full sentence.
- My tour of the temples includes three main stops: Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm.
- To travel in Siem Reap, you have a few options: tuk-tuk, moto, or bicycle.
Common Mistake: Do not put a colon directly after a verb or preposition like 'for' or 'of'.
Incorrect: The three temples are: Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm.
Correct: The three temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm.
Use 2: Introducing an Explanation3 or Elaboration4
We can also use a colon to introduce a further explanation or a clarification of the first part of the sentence.
- He had only one goal for his trip: to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat.
- The restaurant was perfect for one reason: the food was the best I've ever had.
- I know what we should do next: let's go get some ice cream!
🧠 Practice Quiz: Is the Colon Correct?
Read the sentences. Is the use of the colon correct or incorrect?
- I need to buy: bananas, water, and bread.
→ Incorrect. "I need to buy" is not a complete sentence. - The hotel had everything we wanted: a big swimming pool, a good restaurant, and friendly staff.
→ Correct. "The hotel had everything we wanted" is a complete sentence. - My favorite foods are: fish amok, beef lok lak, and Khmer curry.
→ Incorrect. The colon comes after the verb 'are'.
📝 Homework: Write with a Colon
Write two of your own sentences using a colon correctly.
1. Write a sentence that introduces a list of three places you want to visit.
2. Write a sentence that introduces an explanation for something.
Example (List): I want to visit three countries: Japan, Italy, and Brazil.
Example (Explanation): I had a problem this morning: my moto wouldn't start.
1: ___________________________________
2: ___________________________________
Vocabulary Glossary
- Colon: (Noun) - សញ្ញាចុចពីរ (sanhnha chŏch pii) - The punctuation mark ( : ) used to introduce a list, explanation, or example. ↩
- Introduce: (Verb) - ណែនាំ (nea'num) - To bring something into use or operation for the first time. ↩
- Explanation: (Noun) - ការពន្យល់ (kaa pɔn'yɔl) - A statement that makes something clear. ↩
- Elaboration: (Noun) - ការពន្យល់បន្ថែម (kaa pɔn'yɔl bân'thaem) - The process of developing or presenting an idea in more detail. ↩