Grammar Question about Colons So this is a sentence in my essay, and I'm wondering about the colon and whether I can use it there, and if not how do I combine or separate the two clauses in a way that relates the two and isn't awkward?

The technological advancement is important to note because while Baudelaire would not live to see its effects, Le Corbusier lived during the time when the applications of these new technological advancements were being standardized: from the weapons and machines of World War I to the new materials and techniques that allowed architects to build more complex buildings.

1 Answer
Mar 19, 2018

You should write "Le Corbusier lived during the time when the applications of these new technological advancements were being standardized, from the weapons and machines of World War I to the new materials and techniques that allowed architects to build more complex buildings."

Explanation:

Commas are good for transitioning between two dependent clauses. Colons should only be used when you are listing something or introducing one item or a series of items. For example, you could say: "My favourite flavors of ice cream are: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry." You could also say: "You know what to do: practice." For more information on colons, read this: How to Use Colons