English Grammar for the Utterly Confused - Laurie Rozakis 2003
Colons
Chapter 10 Punctuation
Part 4 A Writers Tools
1. Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list. Remember that an independent clause is a complete sentence.
The colon is two dots, one on top of each other, like this (:).
If you really want to lose weight, you must give up the following sweets: cake, pie, candy, and cookies.
2. Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a quotation.
Robert Lawson speaks impatiently of the good intentions that direct the current trends in children’s books: “Some of this scattered band may be educators or psychologists or critics, but they are all animated by a ruthless determination to do children good through their books; it is these people who start the theories and fads that are the bane of authors and illustrators and editors and a pain in the neck to children.” (Fenner, 47)
3. Use a colon before the part of a sentence that explains what has just been stated.
Our store has a fixed policy: We will not be undersold.
4. Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter.
Dear Dr. Lewis:
To Whom It May Concern:
5. Use a colon to distinguish chapter from verse in a Biblical citation, hours from minutes, and titles from subtitles.
Song of Songs 4:15
10:15 A.M.
Eating Healthy: A Complete Guide
