grammar - What is the correct punctuation to use in this case?


If I have a sentence like:



The royal family is extremely rich: The sled that pulls the princess is shaped like a golden swan, the celebrations last 3 days, and the bride and groom walk under a canopy made of purple velvet embroidered with pearls.



Is a colon the proper punctuation to use after rich, or would a semicolon be more suitable? Why?



Answer



Although both are independent clauses, a colon is the more appropriate choice here because a compound list follows the initial proclamation and serves to support its assertion.


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