Conventions of Composition Rule 41 Practice

1. Wrong: We brought everything we needed for the trip a camera, a phone charger, and good attitude.

Better: We brought everything we needed for the trip: a camera, a phone charger, and a good attitude.

Explanation: The colon after trip makes clear that the following list is everything needed.

2. Correct: Over the summer, I read Prep, The Catcher in the Rye, and Into the Wild.

Explanation: Since the list follows the verb read, no colon is needed. This sentence has a compound direct object, punctuated correctly.

3. Wrong: After reading the report, I have one question, how can the company stay afloat?

Better: After reading the report, I have one question: How can the company stay afloat?

Explanation: The colon clarifies that what follows is the one question.