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Nerdikarp Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Correct way to use colons

Which is correct?

1) Gmail provides: Lots of space, Less spam, Mobile access

2) Gmail provides:

-Lots of space

-Less spam

-Mobile access

For example 2, does the left side of the colon have to be a complete sentence?

Thanks
  

Top answer

Hello, nerdikarp - and welcome to English Forums. The problem is that the list is too short to warrant either treatment; both look bad. You should simply do this: Gmail provides lots of space, less spam, and mobile access.

— Mister Micawber

  • Hello, nerdikarp - and welcome to English Forums.
  • The problem is that the list is too short to warrant either treatment; both look bad.
  • You should simply do this: Gmail provides lots of space, less spam, and mobile access.
  • - - To the left of a colon should be an independent clause.
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4 Answers
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Hello, nerdikarp - and welcome to English Forums.

The problem is that the list is too short to warrant either treatment; both look bad. You should simply do this:

Gmail provides lots of space, less spam, and mobile access.

Does the left side of the colon have to be a complete sentence?-- To the left of a colon should be an independent clause.
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is there a difference between a complete sentence and a independent clause? Is 'Gmail provides' a independent clause?
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nerdikarpIs 'Gmail provides' a independent clause?
No, because the verb "provides" is transitive and requires an object.

An independent clause, all by itself, with proper initial capitalization and end puctuation, is a complete sentence. In that case, they are the same thing.

However, you can join an independent clause to another indepdentent
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However, I disagree with Mr. M that in a bulleted format, you need a complete sentence before a colon. I completely agree that you need one in running text.
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