If you have ever wondered when you should use a colon, keep reading.
The colon is a punctuation mark used to introduce a list, emphasize an idea, or separate items in time or place. The semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses, and it can sometimes be used in items of a series.
This post explains when to use a colon. If you want information about semicolons, consult these pages:
When is a Colon Used?
A colon is conventionally used in situations like these:
- to separate hours and minutes (8:40)
- In proportions (the ratio of flour to sugar is 3:1)
- Subtitles (The Glory of Hera: Greek Mythology and the Greek Family)
- Bibliographies (Boston: St. Martin’s Press or Organic Quarterly 4:58–59)
- Memos and Correspondence (Dear Sir: or Attention: Accounts Payable)
A colon is also used to create lists after complete sentences.
- They want to do three things when playing a game: win, win, and win.
- My daily exercise routine includes the following movements: getting up, pouring coffee, sitting down, scrolling through my phone, and getting up again to pour more coffee.
Several less frequent uses of colons include the following:
- to emphasize or explain. Faith is like love: it cannot be forced.
- to add information. Don’t throw out your copiers yet: 60% of offices still print memos and agendas.
Tip: When more than one sentence comes after the colon, capitalize them.
He brought up three points: To begin with, the corporation was losing over a million dollars every month. Second, the stock price was at an all-time low. Third, no banks were willing to lend the company any more funds.
Compare that to this sentence.
Faith is like love: it cannot be forced.
The Colon Mistake to Avoid.
A common mistake writers make is they remember the first part—before a list—but forget the second part—after an independent clause.
A colon rarely comes directly after a verb.
Wrong: Some of my favorite fruits include: bananas, grapes, and oranges.
To fix this mistake, complete the thought, and then present the list.
Correct: Some of my favorite fruits include the following ones: bananas, grapes, and oranges.
Avoid placing a colon directly after “including,” “for example,” or “such as.”
Wrong: A grammar handbook explains many punctuation rules, for example: commas, semicolons, and periods.
An easy fix is to move the transition to the end of a list.
Correct: A grammar handbook explains many punctuation rules: commas, semicolons, and periods, for example.
Can I Use a Dash Instead?
You might want to consider using a dash instead in the following situations:
You want your writing to be informal. A colon is used more often in formal writing. Consider the difference between these two salutations:
- Dear Sir,
- Dear Sir:
However, if you want to be dramatic, then use a dash. Compare these two sentences:
- They want to do three things when playing a game: win, win, and win.
- They want to do three things when playing a game–win, win, and win.
I want to add an exclamation mark after the second sentence:
- They want to do three things when playing a game–win, win, and win!
If you have additional questions, post them in the comments below. Curious who makes all these rules? Then check out Who Makes Grammar Rules.
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