Colons: The Signposts

The colon is like a sign on the highway, announcing that something important is coming. It acts as an arrow pointing forward, telling you to read on for important information. A common analogy used to explain the colon is that it acts as a flare in the road, signaling that something meaningful lies ahead.

The colon is not just used to introduce a list; it is far more flexible. The colon can appear after the first word(s) of a sentence, just before the final word(s) of a sentence, or even between two independent clauses. It can be used to provide emphasis, to explain, or to summarize. Thus, it is one of the most powerful punctuation marks.

Using Colons

Use the colon when you wish to provide emphasis.

• To address this problem, we must turn to one of the biologist’s most basic tools: the petri dish.
• My grandfather, a research scientist, gave me some critical advice about petri dishes: don’t drop them.

Use the colon to introduce material that explains or summarizes what has preceded it.

• The petri dish: one of the biologist’s most basic tools.
• In low-carbon steels, banding tends to affect two properties in particular: tensile ductility and yield strength.
• The research is conclusive: global warming is really happening.

Use the colon to present a list or series, particularly when there is a lot of similar material to join or when the items in the list include commas. When you are using a colon in this way, the colon usually gives the idea of “as follows” or “which is/are.”

• A compost facility may not be located in the following areas: within 300 feet of an exceptional-value wetland, within 100 feet of a perennial stream, or within 50 feet of a property line.
• A backyard compost pile can process many items: fruit and vegetable scraps; crushed egg shells; spoiled soy, rice, almond, or coconut milk; loose leaf tea.

Be careful! Do not include a colon after words like “for example” or just because you have a list.

Correct Use of Colons

To ensure you are using a colon correctly, check to see if you could substitute a period for your colon. If not, your colon is not correct.

Example 1: The three primary colors are: red, blue, and yellow. (The colon is not necessary to introduce this list because the first part of the sentence is grammatically incomplete without including the colors.)

• This sentence is incorrect: “The three primary colors are” is not a sentence.

Example 2: I am going to the store to buy groceries: milk, bread, and cheese.

• This sentence is correct: “I am going to the store to buy groceries” works as a standalone sentence.

You may use a colon with “as follows” or “the following.”

Example 1: I am going to clean my apartment as follows: first, I’m going to dust; then, I’m going to vacuum; and finally, I’m going to make a mess all over again.Example 2: College success requires the following: determination, effort, and a bit of humility.

Note that some style guides require a capital letter after a colon when what follows is a complete sentence. Others do not. Ask your teacher!

Example 1: I am thrilled to be part of a college community: Education is my future.

• This sentence is correct: Capital “E” is sometimes required by various style guides since “Education is my future” is a full sentence.

Example 2: I am thrilled to be part of a college community: The future.

• This sentence is incorrect: Capital “T” in “The” is not correct because “The future” is not a full sentence.

Is the colon used correctly in the following sentences? Select yes or no.

Understanding the functions of the semicolon and colon will help you use them effectively. Remember, a semicolon connects complete ideas or items in a list that have internal commas. Colons act as signposts to alert readers to important information.