COLON

COLON

1. The colon is a punctuation mark that often precedes an explanation or a list.

   • Grammatical Uses
     • Introducing a List
       • The colon is used to introduce a list of items without interrupting the flow of the sentence
         • Examples
           • The bookstore specializes in three subjects: art, architecture, and graphic design.
           • My mom achieved three things today: a perfect meal, an incredible painting and a peaceful nap.
     • Between independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first
       • The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. In such usage, the colon functions in much the same way as the semicolon.
         • Examples
           • I have very little time to learn the language: my new job starts in five weeks.
           • All three of their children are involved in the arts: Richard is a sculptor, Diane is a pianist, and Julie is a theater director.
           • He made three points: First, the company was losing over a million dollars each month. Second, the stock price was lower than it had ever been. Third, no banks were willing to loan the company any more money.
     • Emphasis
       • The colon can be used to emphasize a phrase or single word at the end of a sentence. An em dash can be used for the same purpose. In the second example below, an em dash is more common than a colon, though the use of a colon is nevertheless correct.
         • Examples
           • After three weeks of deliberation, the jury finally reached a verdict: guilty.
           • Five continents, three dozen countries, over a hundred cities: this was the trip of a lifetime.
   • Non-Grammatical Uses
     • Time
       • The colon is used to separate hours from minutes, with no space before or after the colon.
         • Examples
           • 11:35 pm
           • 3:05 am
     • Ratio
       • The colon is used to express a ratio of two numbers, with no space before or after the colon.
         • Examples
           • 1:3
           • 2:5
     • Biblical References
       • The colon is used in biblical references to separate chapter from verse, with no space before or after the colon.
         • Examples
           • Genesis 1:31
           • John 9:12
     • Other References
       • The colon is used to separate the volume from page numbers of a cited work, with no space before or after the colon.
         • Examples
           • Punctuation Quarterly 4:86–89
     • Correspondence
       • The colon is frequently used in business and personal correspondence.
         • Examples
           • Dear Ms. Smith:
           • Attention: Accounts Payable