Do you capitalize after a colon in a list?

Here’s our suggestion: generally, the first word following the colon should be lower-cased if the words after the colon form a dependent clause (that is, if they could not stand on their own as a complete sentence). If the following phrase is a complete (independent) clause, you may choose to capitalize it or not.

What are the rules for introducing a list with a colon?

Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare.

How do you put a colon after a list in a sentence?

When listing items one by one, one per line, following a colon, capitalization and ending punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases preceded by letters, numbers, or bullet points. If each point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end the sentence with appropriate ending punctuation.

Should you use a colon before a list?

Use a colon before a list when the list is preceded by a complete independent clause. Never use a colon to separate a preposition from its objects or a verb from its complements. Some form of the word follow usually indicates a colon before the list. (The colon separates the verb need from its complements.)

Do you use a colon or semicolon for a list?

When would you use semicolons in a list? Writing a list sounds simple, but there are several punctuation marks you need. Colons can introduce a list, while commas are used to separate items in a list.

Can you use a colon for a list of two things?

1 Answer. Actually, colons can be used with any number of items, including just one: Rule 1a. Use a colon to introduce an item or a series of items.

How do you use a colon and semicolon in a list?

To separate items in a list. Use the semi-colon to separate items in a list when one or more items contain a comma. (These examples use a colon to introduce items in the list.

How do you use commas and semicolons in a list?

Items in lists are usually separated with commas. However, if the list items themselves contain commas, then semicolons can be used as separators to outrank those commas. But according to your question, if the contents of the list are actually separate things, then it makes sense to use commas.

How do you use semicolons to combine sentences?

Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses which are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. This rule means that semicolons are used between two complete sentences which are not already linked by words like and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.

Can I put and after a semicolon?

But you shouldn’t use a semicolon and a conjunction. That means when you use a semicolon, you use it instead of the ands, buts, and ors; you don’t need both. Here’s a hint: if you used a comma and an “and” to link two related ideas, think of the period (you know, the top part of the semicolon) as a replacement “and.”

Do you capitalize the first word after a semicolon?

Do not capitalize the first word in a list after a semicolon unless the word is a proper noun, e.g., During Julie’s vacation, she visited many Canadian cities, including St.

What does semicolon mean in English?

In the English language, a semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon joins two or more ideas in one sentence, those ideas are then given equal rank.

Do you capitalize after a colon Chicago Manual of Style?

It’s fine to capitalize there, although Chicago style is to lowercase after a colon unless what follows consists of two or more complete sentences.

Are you supposed to capitalize after a comma?

You don’t have to capitalize words after commas everytime. Only when there is a proper noun (a name of an individual person, place, organization, etc) after a comma, you have to capitalize it.

What comes after a colon?

Rules to Remember A colon is used after a full sentence or independent clause to introduce something that illustrates, clarifies, or amplifies what was said in the sentence that preceded the colon. Full sentence + colon + list, fragment, or full sentence that clarifies or amplifies the first full sentence.