What is a colon?
A colon introduces material that relates to the information given before. To test the need for a colon, insert “that is” in place of the colon. If the sentence makes sense, then the colon is being used correctly. Remember, a complete sentence must come before a colon, but does not need to follow one.
Colon Use
Before a list or series
Phrases like “the following” or “as follows” may come before the colon to further prepare the reader for the list or series.
Example:
The best advice for students who are writing papers is as follows: revision, revision, revision.
Before a complete sentence that explains the previous sentence
A sentence following a colon may begin with a capital or lowercase letter, but usage should be consistent.
Example:
When camping, it’s good to remember Murphy’s Law: If anything can go wrong, it will.
As a formal introduction to a final appositive
An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that gives further information about the word or phrase that precedes it.
Example:
Though not perfect, one form of government has proven superior to all others: democracy.
To introduce a quote
Especially if the quote is long or formal.
Example:
Henry Ford said it best: “If you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
To separate a title from a subtitle
Example:
Working Your Way Through School: A Guide to Study Skills
Do NOT use colons…
Between a verb and its object or complement
Examples:
(Incorrect) He likes to play: soccer, baseball, and tennis.
(Correct) He likes to play soccer, baseball, and tennis.
Between a preposition and its object
Or before phrases like such as, especially, or including
Examples:
(Incorrect) The coordinator is in charge of: registration, cabin assignments, and camp clean-up.
(Correct) The coordinator is in charge of registration, cabin assignments, and camp clean-up.