Phrases, Clauses, and Sentences
Commas, Semicolons, and Colons
A colon is used to introduce a list. It can be a formal introduction using, as follows, or less formal.
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The ceremony to honor Dr. Mills included everything: a moving introduction, a recitation of her achievements, a series of testimonials, and a stirring forecast of her future in the new position.
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The questions were as follows: Where did you last work? For how long? What was your job title? What were your primary achievements?
As follows and following are clear indications that a colon is appropriate, but as the first example shows, these formal introductory elements aren't required. Also, use a lower-case letter after the colon unless your list is made up of complete statements, as in the second example.
Introducing a quotation or formal statement
The colon is used to introduce a quotation or formal statement. An independent clause must precede the colon. The statement following the colon begins with a capital letter.
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Remember this: Don't waste time, don't waste money, but—most important of all—don't waste your energies and talents.
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The speaker made the following observation:“In the future, communication between people all over the world will lead not to an enriched culture but to a homogenous one.”
Introducing a restatement or explanation
A colon may be used between two independent clauses when the second clause explains or restates the first clause.
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The program was an unqualified success: hundreds of people attended.
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These shoes are the best: they are durable, inexpensive, and stylish.
Notice that when the colon is used in this way, it may be followed by a lower-case letter, just as a semicolon would be.
To test whether you should use a semicolon or a colon between clauses, ask yourself whether you could insert the phrase that is after the mark. If you can, use a colon; if you can't, use a semicolon.
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These shoes are the best: that is, they are durable, inexpensive, and stylish. (yes)
A colon is appropriate in the previous example. The phrase can be inserted here. The second clause explains the first clause. The phrase that is doesn't work in the next sentence. A semicolon is appropriate.
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He struggled for years; that is, success finally arrived. (no)
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He struggled for years; success finally arrived. (yes)
Colons with quotation marks
Follow this rule when using quotes in a sentence: always place colons outside quotation marks.
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The article was called “The Last Word”: it was his definitive statement.
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This statement is from an article called “Good Advice”: “Before you decide to marry a man, check out his relationship with his mother.”
Miscellaneous uses of the colon
You also need to learn some special cases for using a colon. A colon is used in the following situations:
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To separate hours and minutes when writing the time
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4:15 p.m.
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8:00 a.m.
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To separate volume and number, or volume and page number of a magazine
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Entertainment Weekly VI:4
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Newsweek 87:53-56
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To separate chapter and verse numbers for biblical passages
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Matthew 4:16
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To introduce a subtitle
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Jane Austen: A Feminist's View
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To end the salutation of a business letter
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Dear Dr. Aguinaldo:
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