✏️ Lesson 3: Effective Use of Colons
Following our lesson on the semicolon, we now turn to its close relative: the colon (:)1. While a semicolon links two related independent clauses, a colon is a "gateway" punctuation mark. It signals to the reader: "Pay attention, here comes an explanation, a list, or a quote."
The most important rule for using a colon is that the part of the sentence before the colon must be an independent clause2 (a complete sentence).
Use 1: Introducing a List
Use a colon to introduce a list of items after a complete sentence.
Correct: "To make a traditional Khmer curry, you need three key ingredients: kroeung paste, coconut milk, and meat or fish."
(The part before the colon is a complete sentence.)
Incorrect: "The key ingredients are: kroeung paste, coconut milk, and meat or fish."
(The part before the colon, "The key ingredients are," is not a complete sentence, so no colon is needed.)
Use 2: Introducing an Explanation or Summary
A colon can connect an independent clause to a second phrase or clause that gives an explanation3 for it. The colon works like the phrases "that is" or "namely."
"I know why the bus was late: there was a major traffic jam in the city center."
"She had one goal in mind: to win the competition."
"The judge's verdict4 was final: the case was dismissed."
Use 3: Introducing a Quotation
While a comma is often used to introduce a quote, a colon can be used for a more formal or dramatic introduction, especially after a complete sentence.
"The sign on the ancient temple door was clear: 'Do Not Enter.'"
"My father gave me one piece of advice I've never forgotten: 'Work hard and always be kind.'"
🧠 Practice Quiz: Where Does the Colon Go?
Decide if and where a colon is needed in these sentences.
- Add punctuation: "I have three favorite Cambodian foods fish amok, beef lok lak, and kuy teav."
Answer: I have three favorite Cambodian foods: fish amok, beef lok lak, and kuy teav. - Is a colon needed here? "For the trip, I need to bring a camera, a hat, and some sunscreen."
Answer: No. The phrase "I need to bring" is not a complete sentence on its own. - Which sentence is correct?
a) He had one dream; to visit Angkor Wat.
b) He had one dream: to visit Angkor Wat.
Answer: b. The second part explains the dream, so a colon is the best choice. - Add punctuation: "The message from the boss was simple Get this done by Friday."
Answer: The message from the boss was simple: Get this done by Friday.
📝 Homework: Use the Colon
Write your own sentences using a colon correctly.
- Write a sentence listing three things you always take with you when you leave the house. Start with "I never leave the house without three things:"
(Example: I never leave the house without three things: my keys, my wallet, and my phone.)
_________________________________________ - Write a sentence explaining the reason you are learning English. Start with "I am learning English for one main reason:"
(Example: I am learning English for one main reason: to get a better job in the tourism industry.)
_________________________________________ - Imagine your mother or father gave you important advice. Introduce it with a colon.
(Example: My mother taught me a valuable lesson: always treat others with respect.)
_________________________________________
Vocabulary Glossary
- Colon (:): (Noun) - សញ្ញាចុចពីរ (sânh'nha chŏch'pii) - A punctuation mark used to introduce an explanation, an example, a list, or a quotation. ↩
- Independent Clause: (Noun Phrase) - ឃ្លាឯករាជ្យ (khléa aek'kâ'réach) - A group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought; a full sentence. ↩
- Explanation: (Noun) - ការពន្យល់ (kaa pɔn'yɔl) - A statement that makes something clear by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts. ↩
- Verdict: (Noun) - សាលក្រម (sal'krôm) - A decision on an issue of fact in a civil or criminal case or an inquest; a final judgement. ↩
- Quotation: (Noun) - សម្រង់ (sâm'râng) - A group of words taken from a text or speech and repeated by someone other than the original author or speaker. ↩