What goes at the beginning of a list?

If your list is simple, you can also use a colon to introduce the list and commas to separate the items. Example: Last night Regina saw: a mouse, a wizard, and a tomato. If your list is complex, use a colon to introduce the list and semicolons to separate the items.

Can you have two colons in a sentence?

There’s no strict rule against employing two colons, but it’s generally not done, mostly because it comes across as sort of fussy and pretentious. That said, I think your second colon would be better as a comma either way.

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

Rule to Remember Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas. In this example, using a semicolon makes it easier to read the two independent clauses on either side of the coordinating conjunction: Correct: My dog is sick.

What is the three dots called?

The Ellipsis Those three little dots are called an ellipsis (plural: ellipses). The term ellipsis comes from the Greek word meaning “omission,” and that’s just what an ellipsis does—it shows that something has been left out. In the sentence above, the words “in the mind” have been omitted from the quote.

How do you write accents?

5 Tips for Writing Character Accents

1. Make sure your character’s speech isn’t distracting.
2. Research slang and colloquialisms.
3. Use pieces of other languages.
4. Don’t stereotype.
5. Recognize that character speech is determined by context.

What is a colon example?

Colons can be used to set off a list. In this instance, think of colons as saying, “Here’s what I mean.” What’s about to come after the colon is meant to further illustrate whatever was mentioned before the colon. There are two choices at this time: run away or fight.

When would you use a semicolon?

A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.