Download colon – introductions

COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
Rules by AP Stylebook, Bad Grammar/Good Punctuation,
Chicago Manual of Style, Gregg Reference Manual, and Morson’s
AP STYLEBOOK
AP STYLEBOOK
INTRODUCING DIRECT QUOTES: Use a comma to introduce a complete one-sentence quotation within a
paragraph: Wallace said, "She spent six months in Argentina and came back speaking English with a
Spanish accent." But use a colon to introduce quotations of more than one sentence. See colon.
colon (:) The most frequent use of a colon is at the end of a sentence to introduce lists, tabulations,
texts, etc.
Capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence: He
promised this: The company will make good all the losses. But: There were three considerations: expense,
time and feasibility.
EMPHASIS: The colon often can be effective in giving emphasis: He had only one hobby: eating.
LISTINGS: Use the colon in such listings as time elapsed (1:31:07.2), time of day (8:31 p.m.), biblical and
legal citations (2 Kings 2:14; Missouri Code 3:245-260).
DIALOGUE: Use a colon for dialogue. In coverage of a trial, for example:
Bailey: What were you doing the night of the 19th?
Mason: I refuse to answer that.
Q AND A: The colon is used for question-and-answer interviews:
Q: Did you strike him?
A: Indeed I did.
INTRODUCING QUOTATIONS: Use a comma to introduce a direct quotation of one sentence that
remains within a paragraph. Use a colon to introduce long quotations within a paragraph and to end all
paragraphs that introduce a paragraph of quoted material.
PLACEMENT WITH QUOTATION MARKS: Colons go outside quotation marks unless they are part of the
quotation itself.
MISCELLANEOUS: Do not combine a dash and a colon.
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
BAD GRAMMAR/GOOD PUNCTUATION
(coming soon)
CHICAGO MANUAL OF STYLE (16TH EDITION)
6.38 Commas with direct address
A comma is used to set off names or words used in direct address and informal correspondence (in
formal correspondence, a colon usually follows the name).
Ms. Jones, please come in.
James, your order is ready.
I am not here, my friends, to discuss personalities.
Hello, Ms. Philips.
Dear Judy, . . .
6.59 Use of the colon
A colon introduces an element or a series of elements illustrating or amplifying what has preceded the
colon. Between independent clauses it functions much like a semicolon, and in some cases either mark
may work as well as the other; use a colon sparingly, however, and only to emphasize that the second
clause illustrates or amplifies the first. (The colon should generally convey the sense of “as follows.”) The
colon may sometimes be used instead of a period to introduce a series of related sentences (as in the
third example below).
The watch came with a choice of three bands: stainless steel, plastic, or leather.
They even relied on a chronological analogy: just as the Year II had overshadowed 1789, so the October
Revolution had eclipsed that of February.
Yolanda faced a conundrum: She could finish the soup, pretending not to care that what she had thought
until a moment ago was a vegetable broth was in fact made from chicken. She could feign satiety and thank
the host for a good meal. Or she could use this opportunity to assert her preference for a vegan diet.
For use of the em dash instead of a colon, see 6.82. For the use of colons with subtitles, see 14.97. For
the use of colons in indexes, see 16.95. For other uses of the colon—in source citations, URLs,
mathematical expressions, and other settings—consult the index or search the online edition of this
manual.
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
6.60 Space after colon
In typeset matter, no more than one space should follow a colon. Further, in some settings—as in a
source citation between a volume and page number with no intervening date or issue number (see
14.186), a biblical citation, or a ratio—no space should follow a colon. See also 6.7.
(**NOTE FROM MARLA: Reporters will probably never follow this new trend, nor do I think they
should.)
6.61 Lowercase or capital letter after a colon
When a colon is used within a sentence, as in the first two examples in 6.59, the first word following the
colon is lowercased unless it is a proper name. When a colon introduces two or more sentences (as in
the third example in 6.59), when it introduces a speech in dialogue or an extract (as in the examples in
6.63), or when it introduces a direct question, the first word following it is capitalized.
6.62 Colons with “as follows” and other introductory phrases
A colon is normally used after as follows, the following, and similar expressions. (For lists, see 6.121–26.)
The steps are as follows: first, make grooves for the seeds; second, sprinkle the seeds; third, push the earth
back over the grooves; fourth, water generously.
Kenzie’s results yield the following hypotheses: First, . . . Second, . . . Third, . . .
6.63 Colons to introduce speech or quotations
A colon is often used to introduce speech in dialogue.
Michael: The incident has already been reported.
Timothy: Then, sir, all is lost!
A colon may also be used instead of a comma to introduce a quotation, either where the syntax of the
introduction requires it or to more formally introduce the quotation. For the use of the comma with
quotations, see 6.50. See also 13.17.
Julian Duguid, author of Green Hell (1931), starts his book boldly: “When a man yields to the urge of Ishmael .
. .”
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
6.64 Colons with formal direct address
At the beginning of a speech or a formal communication, a colon usually follows the identification of
those addressed. For use of a comma, see 6.38.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
To Whom It May Concern:
Dear Credit and Collections Manager:
6.65 Some common misuses of colons
Many writers assume—wrongly—that a colon is always needed before a series or a list. In fact, if a colon
intervenes in what would otherwise constitute a grammatical sentence—even if the introduction
appears on a separate line, as in a list (see 6.121–26)—it is probably being used inappropriately. A colon,
for example, should not be used before a series that serves as the object of a verb. When in doubt, apply
this test: to merit a colon, the words that introduce a series or list must themselves constitute a
grammatically complete sentence.
The menagerie included cats, pigeons, newts, and deer ticks.
not
The menagerie included: cats, pigeons, newts, and deer ticks.
Nor should a colon normally be used after namely, for example, and similar expressions (see 6.43).
13.17 Colon preceding a quotation
A formal introductory phrase, such as thus or as follows, is usually followed by a colon.
The role of the author has been variously described. Henry Fielding, at the beginning of his History of
Tom Jones, defines it thus: “An author ought to consider himself, not as a gentleman who gives a private
or eleemosynary treat, but rather as one who keeps a public ordinary, at which all persons are welcome
for their money.”
13.18 Comma preceding a quotation
When it is simply a matter of identifying a speaker, a comma is used after said, replied, asked, and
similar verbs; a colon, though never wrong in such instances, should be used sparingly (e.g., to introduce
quotations that consist of more than one sentence).
Garrett replied, “I hope you are not referring to me.”
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
Fish writes, “What [the students] did was move the words out of a context (the faculty club door) in
which they had a literal and obvious meaning into another context (my classroom) in which the meaning
was no less obvious and literal and yet was different.”
13.19 Period rather than colon preceding a quotation
Unless introduced by thus, as follows, or other wording that requires a colon, a block quotation may be
preceded by a period rather than a colon. Such usage should be applied consistently.
He then took a clearly hostile position toward Poland, having characterized it as a Fascist state that
oppressed the Ukrainians, the Belorussians, and others.
Under present conditions, suppression of that state will mean that there will be one less Fascist state. It
will not be a bad thing if Poland suffers a defeat and thus enables us to include new territories and new
populations in the socialist system.
GREGG REFERENCE MANUAL (SIXTH EDITION)
BETWEEN INDEPENDENT CLAUSES
187 Use a colon between two independent clauses when the second clause explains or illustrates the
first clause and there is no coordinating conjunction or transitional expression linking the two clauses.
I have a special fondness for the Maine coast: it reminds me of the many happy summers we spent
there when our children were still in school.
NOTE: The second clause that explains or illustrates the first clause may itself consist of more than one
independent clause.
The job you have described sounds very attractive: the salary is good, and the opportunities for
advancement seem excellent.
BUT: The job you have described sounds very attractive; for example, the salary is good, and the
opportunities for advancement seem excellent. (Use a semicolon when a transitional expression
links the clauses.)
The job you have described sounds very attractive; it is the kind of job I have been looking for. (Use
a semicolon when the second clause does not explain the first clause.)
BEFORE LISTS AND ENUMERATIONS
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
188 Place a colon before such expressions as for example, namely, and that is when they introduce
words, phrase, or a series of clauses anticipated earlier in the sentence.
The company provides a number of benefits not commonly offered in this area; for example, free dental
insurance, low-cost term insurance, and personal financial counseling services.
For additional examples, see 182b.
189 When a clause contains an anticipatory expression (such as the following, as follows, thus, and
these) and directs attention to a series of explanatory words, phrases, or clauses, use a colon between
the clause and the series.
These are some of the new features in this year’s models: a fuel economy indicator, a new rear
suspension, and a three-year limited warranty.
The following staff members have been selected to attend the national sales conference in Honolulu:
Frances Berkowitz
Thomas Gomez
Thomas Miscina
Kelly Prendergast
190 Use a colon even if the anticipatory expression is only implied and not stated.
The house has attractive features: cross ventilation in every room, a two-story living room, and two
terraces.
191 Do not use a colon in the following cases:
a. If the anticipatory expression occurs near the beginning of a long sentence.
We have set the following restrictions on the return of merchandise, because many customers
have abused the privilege. Goods cannot be returned after five days, and price tags must not be
removed.
BUT: We have set the following restrictions on the return of merchandise: goods cannot be
returned…
b. If the sentence containing the anticipatory expression is followed by another sentence.
Campers will find that the following small items will add much to their enjoyment of the
summer. These articles may be purchased from a store near the camp.
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
MORSON’S
Rule 13
CAUTION C
If the speaker uses a series of questions that are separate sentences, each sentence ends with a
question mark and each sentence begins with a capital letter.
i. Is Carol working? Is Carol unemployed? Is Carol retired?
j. Were you in the service? Were you in a combat zone? Were you in a military hospital?
k. My questions are: What is it? Where is it? Whose is it?
l. My question is: Who will benefit most?
m. The bottom line is: Whose taxes will be increased?
Note the colon that is used to formally introduce the questions in Examples 13k, 13l, and 13m and the
capital letter after the colon and at the beginning of each separate question. (See also Rule 31 for
comma use.)
RULE 29
Use a colon before introducing a list, a formal quotation, or an enumeration that is preceded by
expressions like as follows, thus, the following.
EXAMPLES
a. The parties in the lawsuit are the following: Mrs. Lavinia Lopez, Mrs. Beatrice Ship, And Mrs.
Sylvester Brookins.
b. We recorded our findings thus: heart, normal; lungs, normal; pulse, normal.
c. Our objections are as follows: (1) The dates were falsified; (2) the signatures were not witnessed;
(3) the last paragraph is ambiguous.
NOTE
Capitalize the first word after the colon when it is followed by a sentence, a proper noun, or the
pronoun I.
Type two spaces after the colon except when the colon occurs within a numerical expression. (See Rule
33.)
RULE 30
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
Use a colon before an explanation or list when namely can be mentally added before that explanation or
list and it makes sense. The word before the colon and the word(s) after the colon are nouns or
pronouns in apposition (a renaming) to each other.
EXAMPLES
a. The Court intends to very carefully define for you three examples of negative performance: nonfeasance,
misfeasance, malfeasance.
b. My problem is this: Who pays me for my losses?
c. The Court ruled on two counts: first, negligence; second, cruelty.
d. Objection: no proper predicate, facts not in evidence.
e. She had everything: a beautiful family, excellent health, professional success, and a wonderful reputation.
f. I am only asking for one thing: justice.
g. And that makes her what: your sister-in-law?
h. You injured which finger: the index?
i. She gave you how many: a dozen?
NOTE
Because namely does not appear in the above sentences, the colon is used. With the exception of
Examples 30f, 30g, 30h, and 30i, if namely were in the above sentences, a semicolon would be used
before it and a comma after it. (See Rules 20 and 21.)
EXAMPLES
j. The Court took several days to define three examples of negative performance; namely, nonfeasance,
misfeasance, malfeasance.
k. My problem is serious; namely, who will pay me for my losses?
Sometimes a speaker uses an incomplete expression like “Just so I’m clear,” “So I have a complete
picture,” or “Just to be sure” as a preface to a summary or a series of questions and statements. The
reporter hears the words inflected as a complete idea followed by a pause. The introductory clause is
spoken and inflected like “Tell me something just so I’m clear.” “Tell me this so I have a complete
picture.” “I’ll ask you this just to be sure.” Under these circumstances, use a colon to introduce the
summary.
EXAMPLES
l. Just so I’m clear: Did she make any phone calls?
m. Just so the record is clear: You went home; you saw the sprinkler was on. Is that your recollection?
n. So I have a complete picture of this: Charles was sitting in the chair. Joyce was standing in the doorway. Is
that correct?
o. So I keep all of this straight: When this happened, you never reported it. Is that right?
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
If the expressions above are used as true introductory clauses, use commas as outlined in Rule 63.
EXAMPLES
p. Just so I’m clear, I’d like to ask you two more questions. (clauses relate to each other and have the same “I”
perspective)
q. So I understand the sequence of events , I’ll ask you some more about the time just before you got on the
bus.
RULE 31
Questions that follow the verb to be (am, are, is, was, were, been, being) may be introduced with a
colon or a comma or nothing depending upon the length of the question, the formality of the question,
and whether the question is direct or indirect.
If the question is short, it may be treated as an indirect question and run smoothly into the rest of the
sentence without any punctuation to introduce it and end with a question mark.
EXAMPLES
a. My question is why?
b. My question is why not?
c. The bottom line is who?
If the question is short but requires special emphasis, it may be treated as a direct question and the
colon may introduce the question. The sentence ends with a question mark . The colon has the effect of
making the question more formal.
EXAMPLES
d. My question is: Why?
e. My question is: Why not?
f. The bottom line is: SI she reliable?
g. What I mean is: How come she did that?
If the question is to be quoted because it appears elsewhere in the transcript and is being restated, a
colon may introduce the question and the sentence ends with a question mark.
EXAMPLES
h. My question is: “Why?”
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
i. My question is: “Who did it?”
j. The question was: “Did you see the accident?”
Commas could also be used in the above examples, and the effect is to make the questions less formal.
(See also Rule 49.)
EXAMPLES
k. My question is, Who did it?
l. The question was, Did you see the accident?
m. The question is, Will you bring in the documents?
n. The next step is, Where do we go hide the money belt?
o. What I mean is, Who gave you permission to open the lock?
CAUTION
If the question is introduced by the verb to be but has a word that completes the verb placed before the
actual question, only the colon is correct to separate the two elements. (See Example 30b.)
EXAMPLES
p. My question is this: Who chose the date?
q. My question is as follows: “Who chose the date?”
r. What I mean is this: Why did she tell only you?
RULE 32
Use a colon to introduce formal quotations from legal documents, speeches, historic documents, or
other well-known writings.
EXAMPLES
a. My client makes the same plea as the well-known Revolutionary orator: “Give me liberty or give me
death.”
b. Your client should have remembered the Bible says: “Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.”
c. The statute says: “A reporter appointed as provided in this article shall be assigned by the administrative
director of the courts.”
RULE 33
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
In citations legal, biblical, and literary works, use a colon to separate volume number from page number,
chapter from verse, and title from subtitle. Do not type any spaces before or after the colon.
EXAMPLES
a. Title 2A:11-13 says: “A reporter appointed as provided in this article shall be assigned by the administrative
director of the courts.”
b. Your client should read St. Mark 12:31.
c. We relied on Danch’s Guide to Barn-Restoring: The Plumsted Project for erecting those two structures.
RULE 34
In running text, simple lists or examples after the verb to be (am, is, was, were, been, being) should not
be introduced with colons.
EXAMPLES
a. The witnesses are Mr. Dennis, Mr. Holiday, and Mr. Walsh.
b. The items that were taken were a TV, a CD, and a coin collection.
c. He resorted to being a pest, a nuisance, and a liar.
NOTE
When a long list follows the verb to be, court reporters must decide whether to tabulate or not. Some
prefer tabulating because the items are easily seen. Others prefer not to because it seems incomplete,
disconnected, or costly. In any event, if the list after the verb to be or any other verb is long and,
therefore, tabulated, the colon should be used. Capitals are not used, nor are end marks of punctuation
needed for any of the lines.
EXAMPLES
d. Q What was missing when you came back to your farm?
A The items taken were:
a 1981 Kawasaki KE100 bike
a 24-inch color TV
a 1965 John Deere 3020 tractor
a 1973 Ford 2000 tractor
a John Deere 327 baler
a Massey Ferguson MF275
a John Deere 4420 combine
a Jon Deere 310A backhoe
e. Q You said you sold some things on June 2?
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
A Yes. The items I put up for auction included:
a piano
a china closet
a Maytag washer and dryer
a stove
an antique rocker
a cannonball bed
a dry sink
a pie safe
four Windsor chairs
a drop-leaf table
a butter churn
an oil lamp
If the reporter chooses not to tabulate, the colloquy would like this:
f. Q What was missing when you came back to your farm
A The items taken were a 1981 Kawasaki KE100 bike, a 24-inch color TV, a 1965 John Deere 3020 tractor, a
1973 Ford 2000 tractor, a John Deere 327 baler, a Masset Ferguson MF275, a John Deere 4420 combine, a
John Deere 310A backhoe.
RULE 35
Do not use a colon after a preposition (of, in, at, on) or after the word that. Let the sentence flow
smoothly without any punctuation interrupting immediately after these words.
EXAMPLES
a. They released to the press copies of my birth certificate, my marriage license, my divorce papers, and my
arrest record.
b. I have no proof that she was in my house, took the pictures, or smashed up the furniture.
RULE 36
Use a colon after the name or title of a speaker for transcript identification.
EXAMPLES
a. THE COURT: Proceed with our remarks.
MRS. DUNLOP: May I approach the bench, Your Honor?
b. MR. MC CANN: How many more witnesses do you have?
MR. FLOYD: Four.
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
RULE 37
Use a colon after QUESTION or ANSWER when testimony from a transcript is read back. Use the capitals
for these two words.
EXAMPLE
a. Let me read from page 36, beginning with line 8, of your testimony on this.
“QUESTION: Did you get a box of candy in the mail from Martha?
“ANSWER: Yes, I did.
“QUESTION: Did you think this was unusual?
“ANSWER: Yes.”
NOTE
See rule 104 for using quotation marks with paragraphed material.
RULE 38
When using quotation marks with the colon, always place the colon outside the final quotation mark.
EXAMPLES
a. Here is my definition of the word “friend”: always there. (See Rule 269 for the use of italics.)
b. After I got home, I realized I had been “burned”: no money in the bag.
RULE 39
Use a colon after note or caution or warning when the word introduces a guideline.
EXAMPLES
a. Q Was the public aware that no mail could be picked up at that time?
A We posted a sign in January. It said, “Note: This office closes at 3 p.m. on Thursdays.”
b. I remember clearly that a sign was posted that said, “Warning: Private Property.”
c. The sign said: “Caution: 10 m.p.h.”
RULE 40
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
Do not use a colon when a list is introduced and another sentence or idea intervenes before the list. Use
a period at the end of the introduction. Sometimes if the construction is awkward, because verbatim
English is not always orderly and spoken to comply with existing rules, this rule can be set aside. The
court reporter must try whatever seems to offer the best solution without adding or subtracting words
or recasting the sentence. (See Example 40c below.)
EXAMPLES
a. Consider the following proposals before you make up your mind. First, you can sell now and take the loss;
second, you can reinvest and hope for an improved market; third, you can wait out the next three months.
b. I told him I would do the following chores and that he would not have to pay me extra. I would open and
close the shop on the weekend; I would set out the garbage at the end of each day; I would make sure the
vehicles were in running order and inspected.
c. Q What was his sales record during that period?
A He made the following sales without any help from his manager , and we were all astounded that he did
it in just several weeks: the Miller farm, a 3-acre lot, a townhouse, a 14-acre tract, and a 15-unit commercial
building. (See also Rule 93e.)
RULE 41
Do not use a colon after a noun of direct address. All of these salutations and greetings should be set off
with commas. (See Rule 48.)
EXAMPLES
a. THE COURT: Members of the jury, let me tell you that I know you will do what is right when you deliberate.
b. MS. MORGAN: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, there is only one verdict that you can return.
c. THE COURT: Counselors, before we hear closing arguments, please approach the bench.
d. THE COURT: Good morning, members of the jury. This has been a long, protracted trial, and I know you are
looking forward to being with our families soon.
NOTE
In conference reporting, using the colon after a salutation is acceptable in the saw that the colon is used
after a salutation in a business letter. The salutation is one of several parts of a letter and is made
distinct from the other parts by position and punctuation. In the courtroom, however, these nouns of
direct address should be set off in the same way as all other nouns of direct address.
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COLONS WITH INTRODUCTIONS
_____________________________________________________________________________________
AP Stylebook
(Online subscription: https://www.apstylebook.com/)
Margie Wakeman Wells' Court Reporting: Bad Grammar/Good Punctuation
(Online subscription not available. Paperback can be ordered here:
https://www.margieholdscourt.com/products/court-reporting-bad-grammargood-punctuation/)
Chicago Manual of Style
(Online subscription: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/subscription_opts.html)
Gregg Reference Manual
(Online subscription: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073545430/information_center_view0/)
Lillian Morson's English Guide for Court Reporters
(Online subscription not available. Paperback can be found on Amazon.com)
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