colon

Everyday

1. A colon is the punctuation mark (:) that introduces a list, an explanation or an example: «You will need: a pen, a ruler and glue». tree →
2. The colon is the main part of the large intestine (large bowel), the tube in the body where water is taken out of food waste. tree →
3. In maths and times, a colon separates numbers: in ratios (2:3) and in clock times (7:30). tree →
4. The colon is the money of Costa Rica (colón). tree →

In the lessons

In English grammar lessons, pupils use colons before lists, before an explanation, and in play scripts after a character's name. In science and health lessons, the colon is part of the digestive system after the small intestine. In maths, the colon in 3:2 is read «three to two» for a ratio. Phrases: «use a colon», «colon before a list», «the large intestine (colon)».

Examples

• Put a colon before the list. tree →
• Bring three things: a hat, a drink and sun cream. tree →
• The colon is part of the large intestine. tree →
• The ratio of boys to girls is 3:4. tree →
• School starts at 8:45. tree →
• In a play script, write a colon after the name: «Tom: Hello!» tree →

Note

Countable. Not the same as a semicolon (;), which joins two linked sentences. In ratio problems, 2:3 means for every 2 of the first there are 3 of the second, so 5 parts in total. Do not confuse with «colonel» (an army officer) or «colony».