1. La regle fondamentale
La phrase avant le colon doit etre grammaticalement complete. Test : si vous supprimez le colon et ce qui suit, la phrase doit rester correcte.
OK : I need three things: a pen, paper, and a laptop.
KO : I need: a pen, paper.
2. Les 7 usages du colon
| Usage | Exemple |
|---|
| Liste | We need three things: speed, quality, reliability. |
| Explication | She had one goal: success. |
| Citation | He said: “We must improve.” |
| Titre/sous-titre | Marketing 101: A Beginner's Guide |
| Heure | 9:30 a.m. |
| Ratio | 3:1 ratio |
| Salutation (US) | Dear Sir: |
3. Les regles d'espacement et majuscule
- Pas d'espace avant le colon en anglais (contrairement au francais).
- Un espace apres le colon, systematiquement.
- Majuscule apres le colon uniquement si ce qui suit est une phrase independante complete.
- Minuscule apres le colon devant une liste ou un complement.
4. 10 phrases pretes a memoriser
- Please bring three items: a pen, paper, and a notebook.
- She had one goal: to become CEO.
- The reason is simple: we need more time.
- Our priorities are: speed, quality, and reliability.
- Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing to confirm our meeting.
- The meeting is scheduled at 9:30 a.m.
- There is only one option: sign the contract today.
- Note: this document is confidential.
- He said: “We will make it happen.”
- Marketing 101: A Practical Guide for Beginners.
Astuce mnemonique : le colon est un signe qui « annonce ». Pensez-y comme une porte qui s'ouvre sur ce qui suit.