Colons with Independent Clauses
The Rule:
You can opt to place a colon between independent clauses if the second clause explains or amplifies the first. (This is a stylistic choice, not a requirement.)
Hint:
A colon in this case acts as the word “namely.” So if you could put the word “namely” between the two clauses, then you can stylistically use a colon.
Examples:
Shu-Ching was sure of one thing: she was not going to be a housewife all her life.
- Since the second clause explains the first clause (what she was sure of), you can use a colon between them.
Steve has one golden rule for dealing with money: “Never a borrower nor a lender be.”
- Since the second clause explains the first clause (what his rule is), you can use a colon between them.
I like ice cream; I don’t like chocolate, though. OR I like ice cream. I don’t like chocolate, though. OR I like ice cream, but I don’t like chocolate.
- The second clause is not explaining or amplifying the first, so you cannot put a colon between these two independent clauses.
Practice:
None of these independent clauses have to have colons between them, since using one is a stylistic choice. However, for purposes of practicing, put a colon between any clauses where it would work to do so.
- Our mother had finally made her decision she was going to get rid of her dog.
- Grapes are not squeezed the pulp is pressed.
- My little sister likes to whine she can still make me laugh though.
- Paul Revere’s The Boston Massacre is traditional American protest art Edward Hick’s paintings are socially conscious art with a religious strain.
- There was a clear reason for a drop in attendance at NBA games this season there was no superstar to take the place of Michael Jordan.
Answers:
- Our mother had finally made her decision: she was going to get rid of her dog.
- Grapes are not squeezed: the pulp is pressed.
- My little sister likes to whine (no colon) she can still make me laugh though.
- Paul Revere’s The Boston Massacre is traditional American protest art (no colon) Edward Hick’s paintings are socially conscious art with a religious strain.
- There was a clear reason for a drop in attendance at NBA games this season: there was no superstar to take the place of Michael Jordan.
