The capitalization rule after a colon states that the first word after the colon should be capitalized if it begins a complete sentence.

The capitalization rule after a colon states that the first word after the colon should be capitalized if it begins a complete sentence.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in formal writing
• D. Only when using digital documents

Answer: (A)

Capitalizing after a colon depends on whether what follows can stand alone as a sentence. If the material after the colon forms a complete sentence, treat it as a new sentence and capitalize the first word. If it’s a list, phrase, or incomplete clause, the first word usually stays lowercase. For example: She had one goal: We will win the race. Here, what follows is a complete sentence, so the first word is capitalized. In contrast: She brought three items: apples, bananas, and oranges. Here, what follows is a list, not a full sentence, so the first item isn’t capitalized. This aligns with the statement being true. It isn’t limited to formal writing or digital documents; the rule applies broadly depending on whether the after-colon material is a complete sentence.

Capitalizing after a colon depends on whether what follows can stand alone as a sentence. If the material after the colon forms a complete sentence, treat it as a new sentence and capitalize the first word. If it’s a list, phrase, or incomplete clause, the first word usually stays lowercase. For example: She had one goal: We will win the race. Here, what follows is a complete sentence, so the first word is capitalized. In contrast: She brought three items: apples, bananas, and oranges. Here, what follows is a list, not a full sentence, so the first item isn’t capitalized.

This aligns with the statement being true. It isn’t limited to formal writing or digital documents; the rule applies broadly depending on whether the after-colon material is a complete sentence.