Colon Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.9-10.2.B

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

The role of a colon in grammar normally serves three different types of purposes. Primarily they are used to introduce a series of items, just like a list starter. They can break up flows within sentences and should not be used in an ordinary progressive sentence. They can be used when a sentence that has two independent clauses, but only when the second sentence refers or draws back to the original clause. They can also be used to stress a word or group of words at the end of a sentence too. These worksheets give students practice on the task of the perfect colon placement within sentences or within lists.

Colon Worksheets To Print:

Using Colons to Introduce an Explanation - Use a colon to introduce an explanation, when the explanation follows an independent clause.

When to Use Them - Rewrite each of the following sentences, using a colon if appropriate. Otherwise skip it.

Sentences with Pauses - Correct each sentence by adding a colon where needed.

What's the Job? - Add a colon to each sentence where needed. Write the number of the rule that applies on the line.

The 7 Uses of This Punctuation - The explanation here is paramount. You are then tasked with adding them to a series of sentences.

Writing with Them - Write 5 original sentences using these punctuation marks to help them flow better. Follow the prompts.

In My Sentences - Review the rules for using colons. Then, on the lines below each rule, write an original sentence that demonstrates it.

Colon or Semicolon? - Does it use the correct punctuation? Write correct or incorrect on the line. Then, rewrite the incorrect sentences on the back of this page, using the correct punctuation.

Combo Writer - Combine each pair of sentences by using the technique that we have learned.

Uses In Quotations - The placement with and within quotes is what pains most students. The focus here should be on the independent clause, especially when the quotation is particularly long.

Don't Quote Me On That One... - A colon is often used to introduce a quotation, when the quotation is not part of an independent clause, especially when the quotation is particularly long.

The Language of Punctuation - Combine each pair of sentences into a single sentence, using the techniques we have discussed here.

Introducing Lists - Use this mark to introduce items in a list and then write an original sentence that incorporates each list.

Writing with Them Again - It's hard for most students to re-read and correct their own work.

Insert Them... - Insert a colon where needed in each sentence to make the language flow properly.

What is the Purpose of Colons?


Colon, an important punctuation mark, consists of two equal-sized dots vertically placed to each other. It is used to indicate that what follows after it is an explanation of what precedes it. There are many purposes of the colon in writing. Given below are some of the most common and important uses of a colon:


Used to Introduce a List


A colon is used to introduce a list of items. Before listing the items of any kind, it is necessary to use a colon so that the reader understands that the list of items is following. Always use a colon before starting a list only if it comes after a complete sentence or an independent clause. For example:

"There are three things my bag always has: a book, a pencil, and papers."
"I love to eat: apple, banana, and broccoli."


Used Between Two Sentences


If the second sentence is an explanation of the first sentence, a colon mark is used to separate them from one another. In this case, it is preferred to capitalize the first word of the second sentence but it is not compulsory. For Example:

"I do not have much time to learn this language: my job is starting next week."


Used After Greetings


Another important purpose of the colon is that it is used in greeting statements. A colon is always used after a salutation or a greeting in a business letter or formal letter. In case of a personal letter, colons can be replaced by a comma. For example:

"Dear Mrs. David:"
"Respected sir:"


Used to Introduce Quotations


One can also use a colon before a famous quotation instead of a quotation mark. A colon is mostly used when one does not remember the exact words of a quotation. An example of colon used for quotations is "Albert Einstein once said: Play is the highest form of research."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



When to Use a Colon Preview