When to Use a Colon

We recently told you how and when to correctly use a semicolon (click here for that post), so today we're going to dig into the proper uses of a colon.

WHEN TO USE A COLON
1. To introduce a list, an appositive, or a quotation (must be after an independent clause, or a clause that can stand on its own)

• List - The rainbow includes the following colors: red, orange, yellow, blue, indigo, violet.
• Appositive - This essay introduces two of the ocean's top predators: the shark and the killer whale.
• Quotation - In times of self-doubt, we must always remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." 

2. After a formal letter salutation

• Dear Dr. Smith:

3. To showcase time (hours/minutes)

• 2:45 p.m.

4. To showcase a ratio or proportions

• The committee voted 5:4 to elect a new CEO.

5. To indicate separation between titles and subtitles

• Women & Fiction: Short Stories by and about Women

6. In a biblography or on a reference page, between a city and its publisher

• New York: Penguin Putnam Inc, 2002

WHEN NOT TO USE A COLON (Remember, in order to use a colon, you must first have an independent clause!)
1. After a verb that is introducing its object/complement

• INCORRECT: My favorite colors are: pink, blue, and yellow. ("My favorite colors are" is not an independent clause, so it cannot be followed by a colon.)
• CORRECT: My favorite colors are pink, blue, and yellow. 

​2. After a preposition that is introducing its object

• INCORRECT: My morning routine consists of: washing my face and brushing my teeth. ("My morning routine consists of" is not an independent clause, so it cannot be followed by a colon.)
• CORRECT: My morning routine consists of washing my face and brushing my teeth.

3. After the following words: such as, including, & for example

• INCORRECT: On Saturdays, I enjoy doing many things, such as: reading, hiking, and bird watching. ("On Saturdays, I enjoy doing many things, such as" is not an independent clause, so it cannot be followed by a colon.)
• CORRECT: On Saturdays, I enjoy doing many things, such as reading, hiking, and bird watching. 

This list might seem overwhelming at first, but the most important thing to remember is that you can only use a colon if the preceding clause is independent and can stand on its own as a sentence. If you've got that, the rest will usually fall into place.

Of course, if you're looking at this list and thinking that there is just no way you'll get this memorized in time to revise your proposal, you can always ask Crafty Copy for a little assistance. We offer competitive rates and work with projects from all industries, no matter the content. Give us a shout out on our contact page, and let's chat about how we can make grammar and mechanics work for you.

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