COLON
The colon can be tricky. The first rule below is the most commonly used, but be sure to look at the next few pages for the other uses.
COMMON COLON RULES
I. Use a colon after an independent clause
(in the same place you would normally put a period) to introduce a word, phrase, clause, list, or quotation. The independent clause before the colon must end in a noun, and the information after the colon must relate to or further explain this noun.
A. Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a single word.
— I have a favorite color: red.
— Juan just met the girl of his dreams: Corinna.
WARNING: NEVER USE A COLON AFTER A LINKING VERB (is, are, was, were)!
WRONG: My favorite color is: red.
WRONG: Juan just met the girl of his dreams, and her name is: Corinna.
B. Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a phrase.
— You have one very important chore to do this afternoon: go to the grocery store.
— Lisa is known for one main trait: talking on the phone.
C. Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce another independent clause.
— We have found a solution to the child's behavioral problems: We put him to bed much earlier.
— I have some exciting news: I'm going to study in Greece this summer.
D. Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list.
— The recipe calls for these weird ingredients: rose petals, reindeer meat, and tung nuts.
— At the mall we saw these friends: Karen, Mike, Timothy, and Andrea.
E. Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a long, formal quotation.
—The President stood up and made a direct appeal: "My fellow Americans, I need your support on this matter."
— My grandmother gave me these words of advice: "Treat others like you would like to be treated."
PRACTICE
If you want to skip this material and try a practice, click one of the links below.