SHS DirectorySHS MatchLesson PlansGES Promotion Past QuestionsStudent Lesson NotesBlogs

Basic 4 · Ghanaian Language · Capitalization

Capital Letters After Colons

In this topic you will learn when to use a capital letter after a colon.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

  • Recognise the colon (:)
  • Use a capital letter when a colon introduces direct speech or a full sentence
  • Use colons correctly in writing

What you already know

  • Capital letters for proper nouns (Basic 3)

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand
Grammar Usage
Sub-strand
Capitalization
Indicator
B4.5.1.1.1-3 – Demonstrate an understanding of the use of capital letters after colons

Introduction

The colon (:) is two dots, one above the other. It introduces what comes next, such as a list or what someone said.

1. Uses of the Colon

Colon uses
UseExample
before a listWe need three things: soap, water and a towel.
before direct speechThe teacher said: "Bring your books tomorrow."
before a full sentence that explainsRemember this rule: Always wash your hands.

2. Capital Letters After Colons

  • Use a capital letter when the colon introduces direct speech: Mother said: "Come home early."
  • Use a capital letter when what follows is a complete sentence or rule: The rule is: Respect your elders.
  • Do not use a capital letter before an ordinary list: We bought: yams, fish and pepper.
A chalkboard with sentences using colons and capital letters
Figure 1: Using the colon Copy the three examples.Illustration: Sirbus

Tip: In your Ghanaian language, follow the same rule when writing what someone said.

New words

colon
The mark (:) that introduces what follows.
direct speech
The exact words someone said.
list
Several items named one after another.
capital letter
A big letter like A or M.
rule
A statement of what to do.
introduce
To present something.

Summary

  • A colon introduces a list, direct speech or an explanation.
  • Use a capital letter after a colon for direct speech or a full sentence.
  • An ordinary list after a colon starts with a small letter.
  • Colons make writing organised.

Class activity: Colon Practice

  1. Use the printed sentence cards.
  2. Add colons and capital letters where needed.
  3. Explain each choice to your partner.

You need: Printed cards of Ghanaian names, Place names, Chalkboard, Chalk, Exercise books, Pencils

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

  1. 1. What does a colon look like?

    • A. Two dots, one above the other (:)
    • B. A dot above a comma
    • C. A single comma (,)
    • D. A single dot (.)
    Show answer
    Answer: Two dots, one above the other (:)That is a colon.

  2. 2. Which is correct?

    • A. Father said: "Sit down."
    • B. Father said: "sit down."
    • C. Father said "Sit down"
    • D. father said: Sit down
    Show answer
    Answer: Father said: "Sit down."Direct speech starts with a capital.

  3. 3. Which uses a small letter after the colon correctly?

    • A. We bought: yams and fish.
    • B. Rule: Respect elders.
    • C. He said: "Come."
    • D. Note: Be early.
    Show answer
    Answer: We bought: yams and fish.It is an ordinary list.

  4. 4. A colon can introduce a list.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: TrueThat is one use.

  5. 5. Direct speech after a colon starts with a small letter.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: FalseIt starts with a capital letter.

  6. 6. The exact words someone said are direct ______.

    Show answer
    Answer: speechThat is direct speech.

  7. 7. Write a sentence with a colon introducing a list.

    Show answer
    Answer: E.g. We need three colours: red, gold and green.Colon before a list.

  8. 8. Write a sentence with a colon introducing direct speech.

    Show answer
    Answer: E.g. The chief said: "Keep the town clean."Capital after the colon.

Homework

  1. Write three sentences using colons correctly.