JS Tip 523: Using Colons, Part II

Last week, we talked of the two major uses of the colon; this week, we’ll talk of the three minor uses. (And these are pretty simple.)    

Minor Use One: Use a colon to separate hours from minutes, volumes from pages, and the first part of a ratio from the second.

The meeting began late at 9:06.

See The Waite Report 2: 325.

The fuel-to-air mix was 1:8. 

Minor Use Two: Use a colon to separate a title from a subtitle.

The Doyle Report: American Business at the Crossroads

Patterns for Excellence: Increasing Productivity in the 21st Century

Minor Use Three: Use a colon after the salutation in a formal letter or email.

Ms. Dickinson: 

Dr. Jekyll: 

This is a formal letter or email. You’re using the person’s title. 

An informal letter or email would use a dash: 

Emily—

Henry—

What are your questions? 

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