COLON

Study the following sentences:

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• He just picked a date out of the blue: June 13, 1998.
• By the time the wedding day rolled around, Weinlick had prepared everything: the rings, the musicians, and his tuxedo.

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Use the colon at the end of a complete statement to introduce a list or an explanation.

• The store will close at noon on the following dates:

November 26, December 24, and December 31. (A list)

• Let me emphasize one point: I do not accept late papers. (An explanation)