NCO Primary Leadership Subjects
The Colon
A colon is used to indicate that information follows. The material that follows the
Purpose of the
colon illustrates, restates, or depends on what comes before the colon.
colon
Read the rules and examples for using colons. Then practice applying the rules in
Rules
the exercises that follow the table.
Use a colon...
Example
with lists and explanations.
These are functions of management:
planning, organizing, directing, and
coordinating.
when a sentence contains an
The Colonel was awarded the following
anticipatory expression, such as:
decorations: the Distinguished Service
Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and
Purple Heart.
the following.
these.
as follows.
with a formal quotation when say or a
The Sergeant looked up: "What was
substitute for say has been left out.
that?"
The General turned: "Who gave that
order?"
The following are additional uses of the colon:
BY ORDER OF COLONEL SMITH;
SUBJECT:
Dear Sir:
THRU:
Gentlemen:
TO:
4:30 P.M.
OFFICIAL:
Luke 5: 9-12
ATTENTION:
Journal of Education 3: 342-358
FOR THE COMMANDER:
MEMORANDUM FOR:
To Whom It May Concern:
Continued on next page
Writing Mechanics and Composition
2-21
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