GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageHard
A historian is compiling research for a book on ancient civilizations. Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a list?
- AThe Roman Empire's innovations were: roads, aqueducts, and legal systems.
- BThe Roman Empire was known for its innovations which included: roads, aqueducts, and legal systems.
- CThe Roman Empire was known for its innovations, including: roads, aqueducts, and legal systems.
- DThe Roman Empire was known for three key innovations: roads, aqueducts, and legal systems.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The Roman Empire was known for three key innovations: roads, aqueducts, and legal systems.
A colon should be used to introduce a list when the introductory statement is a complete independent clause. Option B presents a complete independent clause ('The Roman Empire was known for three key innovations') before the colon and the list.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The phrase 'innovations were' makes the preceding clause incomplete, making the colon incorrect.
- B. The phrase 'which included' makes the preceding clause incomplete, so a colon is not appropriate.
- C. The phrase 'including' makes the preceding clause incomplete, so a colon is not appropriate.
Colon for Lists
A colon is used to introduce a list when the preceding clause is a complete independent clause. It should not be used when the list directly follows a verb or a preposition, making the introductory statement an incomplete thought.
- Preceding clause must be independent.
- Do not use after a verb (e.g., 'are', 'were').
- Do not use after a preposition (e.g., 'for', 'of').
Memory trick: A colon is like a stop sign telling you, 'Here's what's next!' but only after a full thought.