Tag: colon

Questions Related to colon

Choose the correct sentence of the given, in terms of the usage of 'colon'.

colon punctuation english

  1. In the rainy night, his eyes could focus only one thing the light house.

  2. In the rainy night, his eyes could focus only one thing: the light house.

  3. In the rainy night, his eyes: could focus only one thing the light house.

  4. None of these.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, a colon can be used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related or, when one illustrates or explains the other.
Thus, the correct answer is Option B.
The remaining options are incorrect.
Option A does not include a colon which is necessary for a pause between the clauses.
Option C does not distinct the clauses in the sentence.

Choose the sentence(s) with the correct usage of 'colon':

colon punctuation english

  1. The cause of pollution is only one: mankind.

  2. The cause of pollution is mankind:

  3. The cause of pollution: is one, mankind.

  4. :Mankind the only cause for pollution.

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, a colon can be used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related or, when one illustrates or explains the other.
Thus, the correct answer is Option A.
The remaining options are incorrect as, the punctuation colon is not placed so as to separate clauses.

Choose the sentence with the correct usage of 'colon' in it.

colon punctuation english

  1. A balanced diet: should contain vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates.

  2. A balanced diet should contain the following: vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates.

  3. A balanced diet should contain vitamins: minerals: and carbohydrates.

  4. A balanced diet should: contain the following vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates.

Show answer
Correct Option: B

Which of the given sentence is wrong in terms of the usage of 'colon' in it:

colon punctuation english

  1. Bizarre things were happening in his life: mentally and physically.

  2. The mixture contained: milk, raisins and fruits.

  3. Abdul summed up: all the three; physics, chemistry and maths.

  4. He was proud of his son: a doctor.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

We need to choose the option that does NOT use the colon correctly. So, the options with the CORRECT sentences are WRONG.
The colon ':' has various functions. It is used for introducing a list, like in option B, where it introduces a list of things in the mixture: milk, raisins and fruits.
Since B has the correct sentence, option B is wrong.
The colon is also used to introduce appositives. Appositives are nouns, pronouns or noun phrases that modify or explain other nouns, pronouns and noun phrases.
This can be seen in options A and D. In A, 'mentally and physically' describes the bizarre things that were happening in his life.
In D, 'doctor' describes the profession of his son, by saying that his son was a doctor.
Since these sentences are correct, options A and D are wrong.
This leaves option C. A colon cannot be used when it appears to break the flow of the sentence, as it does in C. The colon follows directly after the verb 'summed up'.
(One should avoid using a colon after a verb or preposition.)
Since option C has the incorrect usage, it is the right answer.

Out of the given sentences, select the one which places 'colon' in its most suitable position:

colon punctuation english

  1. Jahangir knew: three languages; Hindi, Urdu and Sinhalese.

  2. Jahangir knew three: languages; Hindi, Urdu and Sinhalese.

  3. Jahangir knew three languages: Hindi, Urdu and Sinhalese.

  4. Jahangir: knew three languages; Hindi, Urdu and Sinhalese.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
A colon is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence. The sentence gives a list of languages known by Jahangir. Thus, the correct option will be Option C.
The remaining options are incorrect. 
A semi colon is used between two independent clause when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.

The circus hosted a variety of new artistes; three tightrope walkers, four unicyclists, and a juggler.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

colon punctuation english

  1. new artistes,

  2. new artistes:

  3. new artistes ...

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A colon is used between two independent clauses in which the second clause illustrates, explains, extends or paraphrases the first clause. Hence, the correct option is B) New artistes:

A range of new blockbusters is coming to the cinemas this summer: thrillers, comedies and family dramas.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

colon punctuation english

  1. summer;

  2. summer,

  3. summer ...

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of blockbusters coming to the cinemas.
An ellipsis (…) is a set of three dots indicating an omission. This punctuation is not required in the given sentence.
A semi colon and a comma are used to between or before coordinating conjunctions in two independent clauses respectively.
However, the punctuation colon (:) is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence.
Thus, the most appropriate answer is Option A, no change.

Maria painted her house in neutral colors; gray, white and brown.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

colon punctuation english

  1. colors:

  2. colors ...

  3. colors

  4. colors. 

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of colors used by Maria to paint her house.
The punctuation colon (:) is used to introduce a list of items.
Thus, the most suitable answer will be Option A.
An ellipsis (…) is a set of three dots indicating an omission. This punctuation is not required in the given sentence.
A period is used only at the end of a declaratory sentence and not in between.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word:
Plants obtain energy for their activities through photosynthesis, a process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

colon punctuation english

  1. photosynthesis:

  2. photosynthesis;

  3. photosynthesis

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two independent clauses. 
Option A - As a general rule, a colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second illustrates or explains the first. In the given sentence, the second half explains the process of photosynthesis. Thus, the usage of colon in place of comma will be more appropriate.
Option B - A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.


I am moving to another city for several reasons, better job opportunities, a diversity of cultural events and good schools for the children.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

colon punctuation english

  1. reasons;

  2. reasons:

  3. reasons

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of benefits of moving to another city. 
A punctuation is required to separate the list of benefits from the introductory clause. However, a comma is used in a list to separate a series of items and not before that. Therefore, using a comma in the given sentence is incorrect.
Option A - A semi colon (;) is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted. 
Option B - A colon (:) is specifically used to introduce a list of items. Therefore, the correct answer must be Option B.