When to Use a Colon
We often come across writing when punctuation marks are misused or misplaced. One universal confusion is in the use of comma (,), semicolon (;) and colon (:). Here are the rules of using a colon, along with some examples.
Using a Colon
One of the most basic rules of English grammar when using a colon is that it is used to introduce something in a sentence. More commonly a colon used in a sentence introduces a list, an appositive or a series. The following examples will help in better understanding of it.
In a Sentence
In a sentence, a colon always precedes and succeeds an independent clause. A single sentence can be separated by a colon only when both the parts of the sentence are independent of each other. Have a look at the following example:
E.g: Don't overlook the first rule: follow your guide!
Here both the parts of the sentence, before and after the colon, are independent clauses.
E.g: My favorite past times are: surfing the net and reading.
This is an example of INCORRECT usage of the colon. You can easily observe that the second part of the sentence is not independent and has no meaning of its own.
In a List
The most common usage of the colon is introduction of the list. Have a look at the following example:
E.g: I need to shop for a few things in the store: a pair of shoes, a scarf and a black skirt.
Here the sentence follows the above mentioned rule. One should remember to not to use a colon if the first part of the sentence is not an independent clause.
Use of a Colon in Other Forms
A colon is used after the salutation or the greeting in a formal letter.
E.g: Dear Mr. Watson:
A colon is placed after each heading in a memo.
E.g: To:
A colon is used to differentiate hours and minutes when time is written in a formal style.
E.g: 12:30 pm
We often come across a colon in a title or a heading of an essay or an article.
E.g: Magnesium: Uses of Magnesium
A colon is used while writing volume number, Bible verse, or the name and place of publication at the end of the book.
E.g: Vol 3:25
E.g: New Delhi, India: Penguin Publications, 2000
Examples of Colon Usage
1 - There was a great choice of desserts: pastries, cocktails and brownies.
2 - Famous Love Quotes: Sweet and Cute Love Quotes
3 - The fact cannot be ignored: He is smarter than you!
4 - Genesis 2:19-20
5 - "The President, Ladies and Gentlemen:"
I hope these rules and examples were helpful to you. One should remember that avoiding grammatical errors in your piece of writing, professional or otherwise, will definitely impress the readers!
