JS Tip 522: Using Colons, Part I

Our series on semi-colons produced a number of questions about colons. It’s been years since we talked about colons. 

If you have questions about colons, we suggest you talk to your doctor. 

Ah, we love that joke. 

But, seriously, folks . . . .

We’ll break our discussion into two parts: the two major uses this week, and the three minor uses next week.   

If a period stops and a comma pauses, a colon introduces. 

Use a colon to introduce a statement after a complete thought:

Rule 41A has one exception: The property must be free and clear . . . . 

His speech included the words: “Ask not what your country . . . .”

But not

His speech included: “Ask not what your country . . . .”

An introductory colon should always follow a complete thought. 

Use a colon to introduce a series or list after a complete thought.

Our suggestion has three benefits: it will improve morale, it will increase sales, and it will improve productivity.

Our suggestion has three benefits: 

1.   It will improve morale.

2.  It will increase sales.

3.  It will improve productivity.

But not

The three benefits are: 

1.   It will improve morale.

2.  It will increase sales.

3.  It will improve productivity.

Next week, we’ll talk of the three minor uses for a colon. 

We love this stuff.