Error (Pet Peeve) #3: Poor Punctuation Usage (continued)

Colon Errors

Colons are another type of punctuation that individuals are often unsure when to use. Colons should be used in the following instances:

Between an introductory clause that is a complete sentence and an idea that extends or illustrates the introductory clause (Note: if the idea following the introductory closure is a complete sentence it begins with a capital letter).

• For example, the therapist suggested two behavior modification activities to increase Jane's positive behaviors: a behavior modification chart and a behavior modification point system.
• They agreed on the type of treatment that had the best outcome for Jane: Implementation of the behavior modification chart had a better result than the behavior modification point system.

In references between the place of publication and the publisher.

• Nashville, TN: Word Publishing

In ratios and proportions.

• The proportion of cups of water to flour for the recipe was 1:2.