A colon says to a reader, “Here comes a list or an example.” The colon is easy to use correctly if you remember that the words to the left of the colon usually must be a full sentence, not merely part of a sentence.
For example, this use of the colon is WRONG. Our company hopes customers will: complete our online survey, register for the prize drawing, and sign up for our free newsletter. This sentence is punctuated incorrectly because the colon follows the words Our company hopes customers will, but those words are NOT a full sentence. Here is the CORRECT use of the colon in this sentence. Our company hopes customers will visit our Web site for many reasons: to complete our online survey, to register for the prize drawing, and to sign up for our free newsletter.
1. Use a colon to introduce a list. Be sure the group of words to the left of the colon is a full sentence (an independent clause).
Example The end table you asked about has many convenient features: deep drawers, legs on casters, and
a durable finish.
Example Unfortunately, we no longer carry the following catalog items: pogo sticks, unicycles, and mini-
trampolines.
2. Use a colon to introduce an example, illustration, or explanation of the idea to the left of the colon.
Example The party room rental contract stipulated an important condition: The client will provide tablecloths. Example You can track the status of your order online by visiting our home page: www.XYZcompany.com. Example Our refund policy is clear: you may return the merchandise within 30 days of receipt for a full
refund of merchandise and shipping charges.
Practice 6.5— Use the Colon Correctly
Add colons to these sentences. For answers to Practice 6.5, see page 121.
1. With product inquiries, please call one of our regional offices Midwest Region at 800-555-9865, West Coast Region at 800-5553687, or East Coast Region at 800-555-4113.
2. We have two ways of charging for Spanish language tutoring an hourly charge of $10 or a daily charge of $50.
3.
I want to purchase three of the titles I see in your list of helpful books on spelling Learn to Spell,Spell Correctly without Memorizing, and Spelling Tips for Poor Spellers.
4. Customers cannot find the serial number strip underneath the product we received five phone calls last week asking for help finding the number.
5. We charge a one-time set-up fee based on the number of stitches it takes to create your logo $95 for 8,000 stitches.
6. The following pages will allow you to provide important rental information the driver’s name, frequent traveler programs, corporate plans, or other rate options.
Punctuating the E-Mail Greeting: Choose a Comma, a Colon, or a Dash
Most customer service e-mail begins by addressing the customer by name. You have several options for punctuating the greeting:
Dear Mr. Campi: (colon)
Hello, Allan -- (comma/dash combination) Dear Allan, (comma)
Hi Mrs. Davis, (comma) Hello Robert, (comma) Hello Gerry -- (dash)
So, which is the best punctuation choice? All are acceptable, but each one carries a slightly different tone or level of formality. Most writers agree that the colon is the most formal way of punctuating a greeting. Dear Mr. Campi: is
the greeting we would use when writing a print business letter. Punctuating with a colon carries some of the business letter’s formality. The comma is just slightly more casual than the colon. Dear Allan, is the greeting we would choose in a personal letter or in casual business writing. The most informal choice is the dash, by itself
(Hello Gerry -- ) or used with a comma after hello (Hello, Gerry -- ). Use the dash in your greeting when you have
Practice 6.6— Add Punctuation to This Message
Where necessary, add periods, commas, apostrophes, semicolons, and colons to this message. Also add capital letters, if necessary. Remember, there may be more than one correct way to punctuate this message. Compare your answers to Practice 6.6 with ours on page 122.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Thompson day bed and trundle information Hello Amanda Patterson
Thank you for your interest in the Thompson daybed and trundle the daybed is not available for viewing at the retail location you asked about. Our outlets inventory varies daily and we cannot advise if and when the daybed would be available at an outlet store. Please contact your local Country Furniture Outlet for assistance. We have several Country Furniture Outlet stores in your area at Holland Mall in Frostville, NY at Boxwood Mall in Clarence, NY and at Warren Shopping Center in Carter, NY.
To answer your question about mattress size the daybed and trundle both accommodate a standard twin-size mattress. The daybed stores its trundle neatly beneath its frame. We also sell frames for larger mattresses the Sweetwater frame can accommodate a full-size mattress and the Coverley bed frame accommodates a queen- size mattress. Its a good idea to look at a variety of frames before you choose one
The beds may be returned within 30 days for a full refund of merchandise and shipping charges. After 30 days we will replace or refund your purchase against manufacturers defects however we cannot refund your purchase if you damage the merchandise while trying to assemble it.
You may order your bed online call our Sales Department at 800-555-5176 or stop in at one of our retail outlets. Please continue to look at our catalog online and please contact us if we may be of any further assistance. Regards
Terry Capanski
Customer Service Country Furniture