Question

22. Which sentence is capitalized correctly? Only one solution is possible: We must cut our expenses. Only one solution is possible: we must cut our expenses. only one solution is possible: we must cut our expenses. only one solution is possible: We must cut our expenses

Answer 1

Both sentences A and B are capitalized correctly:

Only one solution is possible: We must cut our expenses.

Only one solution is possible: we must cut our expenses.

The first word of both sentences (only) must always be capitalized since it is placed at the beginning.

On the other hand, if the sentence following the colon is dependent (it is incomplete), its first word should not be capitalized. For example:

"I have to buy three things: apples, oranges and bananas."

Regarding capitalization in independent clauses following a colon (such as the one given in the example), it is subject to the citation style the writer is following (APA, MLA, etc). While some styles recommend capitalization of the first word of the sentence, some others do not.

Answer 2

Answer: The sentence that is capitalized correctly is the first one: "Only one solution is possible: We must cut our expenses".

Explanation: APA Style rules state that the initial letter of the first word that comes after a colon should be capitalized only when the colon is followed by a complete sentence. In the sentence "Only one solution is possible: We must cut our expenses", the colon is followed by a complete sentence, that is to say a sentence that has a subject and a predicate and that expresses a full thought: "We must cut our expenses". In that way, the initial letter of the word "we" ("W") should be capitalized. The only option that capitalizes the letter "W" is the first one: "Only one solution is possible: We must cut our expenses".