Understand How to Use Colons

Colons can be used to punctuate sentences where the second part explains or illustrates the first part:

It wasn't easy: the questions were all at level 5.

In this example, using two separate sentences or a conjunction would also be correct.

It wasn't easy. The questions were all at level 5.

It wasn't easy because the questions were all at level 5.

However, using a comma to join the clauses would not be correct.

It wasn't easy, the questions were all at level 5. (wrong)

Using colons in this way is also a way of emphasising a point.

Sid is particularly well known for his greed.

By rewriting this sentence with a colon, Sid's greed can be highlighted.

Sid is particularly well known for one thing: his greed.

In this activity, you will look at how to use colons to separate clauses.

You can come and look at this explanation any time you need to by clicking on the red help button on the screen.

Let's go!