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Question

Difficulty: EasyColons

To forecast the weather accurately, meteorologists rely on a variety of advanced instruments: barometers, anemometers, and hygrometers.

Which of the following options correctly punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

  1. NO CHANGEAnswer
  2. B
    instruments; barometers
  3. C
    instruments, including: barometers
  4. D
    instruments, barometers

Answer

The choice that reads 'NO CHANGE' is correct because the clause before the colon is independent and the colon properly introduces a list of weather instruments.
The choice that leaves the sentence unchanged is correct. The clause before the colon is a complete independent clause, and the colon is the standard punctuation mark used to introduce a list of examples.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause preceding the underlined portion and determine if it can stand alone as a complete sentence.
The clause 'To forecast the weather accurately, meteorologists rely on a variety of advanced instruments' contains a subject and verb and is independent.
A colon can only be used if it is preceded by a complete independent clause.
2
Analyze the function of the information following the punctuation.
The items 'barometers, anemometers, and hygrometers' function as a list of examples clarifying the 'instruments'.
A colon is appropriate to introduce a list, explanation, or elaboration.
3
Evaluate the incorrect options against the rules for semicolons, colons, and commas.
Semicolons require independent clauses on both sides; placing a colon after 'including' creates an incomplete sentence; a comma alone does not provide the correct grammatical transition for this list.
Eliminating grammatically incorrect choices helps identify the correct punctuation choice.

Key Concept

A colon must be preceded by a complete independent clause and can be used to introduce a list, explanation, or quote.
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Topics

Colons

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