Besides introducing specific sentence elements, colons conventionally appear in works cited or bibliography entries, introduce subtitles, express ratios and times, and follow the salutations in formal letters.

P4-a Use a colon to introduce a list, an appositive, a quotation, a question, or a statement.

Usually, a colon follows an independent clause that makes a general statement; after the colon, the rest of the sentence often supplies specifics — a definition, a quotation or question, or a list.

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Use the colon selectively to alert readers to closely connected ideas, a significant point, a crucial definition, or a dramatic revelation.

Note: Because a colon follows but does not interrupt an independent clause, do not use a colon after words such as is, are, consists of, including, such as, for instance, and for example to introduce a list (see P4-b).

Consider using a colon to introduce a list.

You can use a colon to introduce a list if the list is preceded by an independent clause. Be careful not to interrupt the clause in the middle (see P4-b).

Consider using a colon to emphasize an appositive.

Although you can always use commas to set off an appositive, try using a colon occasionally when you need special emphasis.

Consider using a colon to introduce a formal quotation, a question, a statement, or another independent clause.

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Do not capitalize the word following a colon if it introduces an incomplete sentence. However, when the word group following a colon is a complete sentence, you can either capitalize the first word or not, depending on your preference. Whichever choice you prefer, be consistent. When you introduce a quotation with a colon, always capitalize the word that begins the quotation. (See also M2-c.)

P4-b Correct unnecessary or incorrect colons.

Omit a colon that interrupts an independent clause, especially after words such as is, are, include, composed of, consists of, including, such as, for instance, and for example.

Replace an inappropriate colon with the correct punctuation mark.