Many people struggle with colons. While everyone has a basic idea of how to use them, situations can easily get tricky in a hurry. Knowing the time and place to use one requires vast experience, fierce study, quick thinking and a penchant for preparation. So in the future, whether trekking through the woods, struggling to write an assignment, or simply pursuing knowledge, this quick guide is the first step to true colon mastery.
Knowing The Right Time
It’s easy to get confused about the proper timing for a colon, but the easiest rule to follow is to only use one after a complete sentence or over a traditional receptacle. Toilets are a common choice, but some alternatives may be available. Here’s an example. “Knowing how to use a colon can have two meanings: healthcare or grammar.”
An incorrect example might look like this. “Good colon care is best managed with a healthy diet of: fast foods, saturated fats and extra salt.” It’s pretty easy to see where things went wrong here.
The first example worked because the sentence part preceding the colon can stand as its own sentence. The second example doesn’t work because there isn’t a complete sentence before the colon and because all the things in the list are very bad for your colon. Many people seem to get confused when the colon is used with a list, but the rule actually stays the same. Here’s another example:
- Always read through sentences before finalizing them.
- Start annual checkups around the age of 50.
Formatting After The Colon
As long as the colon is in the right place, the next step is to use the right techniques following it. In most cases, a single space is sufficient, followed by a prompt flush. With some older types, things often appear less messy with two spaces, and extra flushes should always be considered.
There’s also the issue of capitalization. Most experts agree that this is solely at the discretion of the colon’s owner. This means people should stick to what feels best. After all, comfort is usually a good indicator of whether the colon is working well or not.
Everything Else You Need To Know
We’ve covered the basics. A more detailed study can reveal more complicated techniques: nested colons, system flushes, probiotics and more. Ultimately, sticking to these basics can get anyone on the right track to good colon use and a good level of healthy living and expression. Keep at it, and you’ll be sure to master your colon in no time.
