Colons: A Guide on How to Use Colons, Plus Examples

First published on November 2, 2022 by Dalia Y.|Last revised on October 20, 2024

A colon : is a punctution mark that can introduce a list, explain or add emphasis on the prior clause, and more. Read our in-depth guide on the colon, here.

Punctuation

Colons: A Guide on How to Use Colons, Plus Examples

‍What's a colon?

Stack two periods on top of each other, et vóila! A colon : If you're unsure on how to use the inimitible colon: read onwards to learn when and where to use the punctuation in writing.

How to use colons in writing

To separate items in a list or series

To make a cake you need the following ingredients: sugar, eggs, milk, flour, baking soda, and salt.

I want an assistant who can do the following: input data, take notes, answer the phones, and handle my schedule.

Students are expected to carry out a range of activities: attend lectures, participate in seminars, hand-in assignments by the deadline, and complete all other course requirements.

To expand or add emphasis to the previous clause

I have two favorite pastimes: reading and eating.

Silvia slumped in her chair and closed her eyes: she had never felt so dejected.

He got what he worked for: a promotion that paid a higher wage.

With numbers and units of time

It's 11:30 a.m.

The score is 3:1

He ate dinner at precisely 6:45.

To introduce a quotation

Quotations that are complete sentences or help explain the preceding text can be introduced through a colon:

The scientist concluded his report: "The data shows a significant trend".

The speaker made a final, powerful statement: "We must work together for a better future."

To clarify titles, lectures, and other works

Use a colon in titles to separate a main title from its subtitle, like "Title: Subtitle". The words or phrases on either side of the colon should be able to stand on its own.

Oliver Twist:The Parish Boy’s Progress

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Crisis Management by Apology: Corporate Response to Allegations of Wrongdoing

Colon vs. semicolon

Answer: semicolon are used to connect two closely related sentences without coordinating conjunctions or commas.

A colon, on the other hand, can signify a deeper relationship between the clause, since the one that follows the punctuation either emphasizes or expands on the preceding clause.

Origin of the colon

The word ‘colon’ originates from the Latin and Greek languages: from Latin colon, “part of a verse or poem,” from Greek kōlon “part of a verse,” literally “limb, member”.

In Review

Colons are used in sentences to:

1. Introduce a list or series;

2. Connect closely related clauses by either expanding or emphasing the relation between the both clauses, words, or phrases in the sentence.

Worksheet: Punctuation-colons

Question 1 of 10

According to the blog post, what is one of the primary uses of a colon?

To separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction
To introduce a list or series
To connect two closely related sentences without punctuation

How does the blog post differentiate a colon from a semicolon?

Semicolons are used before lists, while colons connect related sentences.
Colons signify a deeper relationship between clauses, expanding or adding emphasis, or introduce lists, while semicolons connect related sentences without conjunctions.
Colons and semicolons are interchangeable for connecting closely related sentences.

When connecting two closely related clauses, the post states a colon can be used to signal a deeper relationship and:

Combine them into a single simple sentence
Elaborate or add emphasis on the information in the first clause with the second clause
Separate them into two distinct paragraphs

The blog post describes a colon visually as:

A comma with a period above it
Stacking two periods on top of each other
A single long dash

Based on the examples provided for introducing lists, the colon typically follows:

The first item in the list
A clause that introduces the list or series
A dependent clause

Choose the correct punctuation to introduce the list: I need a few items at the storeclothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.

;
:
,

Fill in the blank with the punctuation used to connect these related clauses: Study to acquire a habit of thinkingno study is more important.

;
:
.

Choose the correct punctuation to introduce the list: The American flag has three colorsred, white, and blue.

;
:
,

Fill in the blank with the punctuation used to connect these related clauses: He got what he worked forhe really earned that promotion.

;
:
.

Choose the correct punctuation to introduce the list: I need an assistant who can do the followinginput data, write reports, and complete tax forms.

;
:
,

FAQs

What is a colon? +

A colon looks like two periods stacked on top of each other (:). It's a punctuation mark used in sentences primarily to introduce lists or connect related clauses, adding emphasis.

When is a colon used? +

Colons are used primarily to introduce a list or series. They also connect closely related clauses, elaborating or adding emphasis on the information that precedes it.

Can colons connect two clauses? +

Yes—colons connect closely related clauses. The clause after the colon elaborates or adds emphasis to the information that comes before the punctuation.

Can a colon introduce a list? +

Yes! Colons are used primarily to introduce a list or series in sentences; "I need a few items at the store: bananas, strawberries, bread, and peanut butter."

What's the difference from a semicolon? +

Semicolons connect two closely related sentences without conjunctions. Colons signify deeper relationships, adding emphasis, elaborating, or introducing a list.