We prepared this punctuation guide to help you construct clear and readable sentences. And the colon is something you need to know about on the way to this goal.
What is a colon? The colon definition is short—it’s a punctuation mark that is usually used to introduce a list.
Here are some examples of simple punctuation and easy colon punctuation rules to use this punctuation mark correctly.
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![between-two-clauses](https://custom-writing.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Between-two-clauses.png)
Between two clauses
When you have two independent clauses, and the second one comments on or explains the previous clause—you can use the colon punctuation mark:
Example:
He came later than usual: his wife accidentally took the car keys when she left for work.
![the-colon-before-a-list](https://custom-writing.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-colon-before-a-list.png)
The colon before a list
Do you use a colon before a list? You may need the colon to list items in a sentence:
Example:
The program includes various activities: swimming, yoga, dancing, bicycling, and rock-climbing.
But be careful not to put it after a preposition:
Example:
We have pizzas with pepperoni, shrimp, and cheese.
![the-colon-before-quotes](https://custom-writing.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-colon-before-quotes.png)
The colon before quotes
To introduce a quotation, it’s good to mention its author. Also, sometimes a quotation is included in a sentence. In this case, you may need some punctuation:
Example:
The sign was challenging to understand, as there were missing letters, but it read: “Dangerous! Use the side road!”
![colon-grammar-rules-to-make-an-emphasis](https://custom-writing.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Colon-grammar-rules-to-make-an-emphasis.png)
Colon grammar rules to make an emphasis
Sometimes it’s essential to add some emotion to the text. But the question is–how to punctuate correctly? The uses of a colon in punctuation can emphasize a phrase or a word at the end of the sentence:
Example:
This relationship was interesting, lively, and fun, but she didn’t get the only thing she really needed: the truth.
![do-you-capitalize-after-a-colon](https://custom-writing.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Do-you-capitalize-after-a-colon.png)
Do you capitalize after a colon?
We often hear this question and can’t ignore it!
The rule is easy. You should capitalize after a colon if it’s a complete sentence:
Example:
Something can go wrong: We can catch the flu. You can lose your money. We can miss the plane.
You should also capitalize the first letter if it’s a proper noun:
Example:
No, only several students came to the lesson: Julie, Chris, Diana, Michael, Peter, and Lisa.
In other cases, you don’t use capital letters:
Example:
Every detail of the skirt she made was perfect: pockets, the belt, and black laces.
Colon – further study
- Revising and Editing Checklists
- 50-Point Essay Checklist
- Common Mistakes in Essay Writing
- Effective Writing Strategies
- How to Control Words per Page
- Basic Writing Rules
- 200 Words to Use Instead of “Good”
- List of Credible Sources
Punctuation after a colon is easy when you know a couple of rules. We collected the most popular examples of colon punctuation in the English language.
We hope you now have a better understanding of colon punctuation rules and can help your friends with when to use a colon. We also advise you to read other sections in this guide.