14 Colons
14
Colons
You can use a colon (:) to introduce a list, an explanation, an example, or a further thought within a sentence. The information following the colon should clarify or offer specifics about the information that comes before it.
14a Use a colon to introduce a list or a series
When you use a colon to introduce a list, make sure the list is preceded by a complete sentence.
14b Use a colon to introduce an explanation, an example, or a summary
Note: If the group of words following a colon is a complete sentence, the first word can begin with either a capital or a lowercase letter. Whichever option you choose, be consistent throughout your paper.
14c Use a colon to introduce a word or phrase that renames another noun
14d Use a colon to introduce a lengthy or heavily punctuated quotation
A quotation that is more than one or two lines long or that contains two or more commas can be introduced by a colon.
14e Use a colon to separate hours and minutes, in salutations for business letters, between titles and subtitles, and in ratios
HOURS AND MINUTES |
9:15 a.m. |
SALUTATIONS |
Dear Professor Sung: |
TITLES AND SUBTITLES |
American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson |
RATIOS |
7:1 |
14f Use a colon only at the end of an independent clause
A colon should always follow an independent clause, which could stand on its own as a complete sentence. Do not use a colon between a verb and its object; between a preposition and its object; or before a list introduced by such words as for example, including, is, and such as.
A medieval map is hard to read is an independent clause.
