0
Cboutin3 Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Is the colon use correct here?

After lifting the siege of Storm’s End, Eddard Stark journeyed to the tower with six companions: Howland Reed, Willam Dustin, Ethan Glover, Martyn Cassel, Theo Wull, and Mark Ryswell.
  

Top answer

"Colonology" is a sensitive subject among writers. Technically, items in a list following a colon are separated by semi-colons (which makes sense, especially in the case of phrases or clauses). In your case, that seems a bit too much.

— Philip

  • "Colonology" is a sensitive subject among writers.
  • Technically, items in a list following a colon are separated by semi-colons (which makes sense, especially in the case of phrases or clauses).
  • In your case, that seems a bit too much.
  • [ + names ] or , who were...
  • [ + names ]
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
"Colonology" is a sensitive subject among writers. Technically, items in a list following a colon are separated by semi-colons (which makes sense, especially in the case of phrases or clauses). In your case, that seems a bit too much. Try eliminating the colon and replacing it with who included....[ + names ] or , who were... [ + names ]
0
0
Philip, I've never heard a rule that says you must separate items in a list that follows a colon with semi-colons. Can you provide a reference?

This use seems fine to me.

It's when you put the colon after "are/were" that I'd say it's wrong. (e.g., His companions were: A, B, C, and D.)
0
0
cboutin3After lifting the siege of Storm’s End, Eddard Stark journeyed to the tower with six companions: Howland Reed, Willam Dustin, Ethan Glover, Martyn Cassel, Theo Wull, and Mark Ryswell.
This looks fine to me.
0

Related Questions