The Colon and Capitalization

The Colon and Capitalization

1. Colon

   • Use a colon to introduce an item or a series of items.
     • You may be required to bring many things: sleeping bags, pans, utensils, and warm clothing. I want the following items: butter, sugar, and flour.
     • I need an assistant who can do the following: input data, write reports, and complete tax forms.
   • Avoid using a colon before a list if it directly follows a verb or preposition that would ordinarily need no punctuation in that sentence.
     • I want butter, sugar, and flour.
     • I've seen the greats, including Barrymore, Guinness, and Streep.
   • A colon instead of a semicolon may be used between independent clauses when the second sentence explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence.
     • Remember the old saying: Be careful what you wish for.
     • He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion.
   • If a quotation contains two or more sentences, many writers and editors introduce it with a colon rather than a comma.
     • Dad often said to me: "Work hard. Be honest. Always show up on time."
     • Mom often said to me: "Clean hard. Be honest. Always show up on time

2. Capitalization

   • Capitalize proper nouns—and adjectives derived from proper nouns.
     • herculean (from the mythological hero Hercules)
     • draconian (from ancient-Athenian lawgiver Draco)
   • A thorny aspect of capitalization: where does it stop?
     • EBay opened strong in trading today.
     • Dominos opened strong in trading today.
   • Capitalize titles when they are used before names, unless the title is followed by a comma. Do not capitalize the title if it is used after a name or instead of a name
     • he president will address Congress.
     • Chairman of the Board William Bly will preside at the conference.