Revised as of
18 Mar 2023
A colon gives warning whether it’s to emphasize, distinguish between hours and minutes or volumes and pages or chapter and verse, introduce greater details, or join closely related clauses.
The Properly Punctuated explores . . .
. . . the proper use of quotation marks, commas, semicolons, colons, ellipsis, etc., including how to properly mark dialog, ahem. As Properly Punctuated is in no way complete, I would appreciate suggestions and comments from anyone on punctuation with which you struggle or on which you can contribute more understanding.
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| Colon, : | |||
| Punctuation: : | |||
| Definition : A punctuation mark that notes a major division in a sentence, to indicate that what follows is an elaboration, summation, implication, etc., of what comes before; or to separate groups of numbers referring to different things. | |||
| Independent Clause(s) | |||
| Independent Clause + Detail | Rule: Used after an independent clause, a.k.a. a complete sentence, to introduce a more detailed explanation, example, series, or statement. | ||
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I have included books many people have read: The Da Vinci Code, for example.
We need warm clothing for the refugees: coats, mittens, scarves, hats, and boots. |
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| Join Two Independent Clauses | Rule: Between two independent clauses when the second explains or expands the first.
APA requires that you capitalize an independent clause following a colon. Chicago requires it to be lowercase IF it is only ONE sentence unless the word is ordinarily capitalized. The key is to be consistent throughout the document. |
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APA The leaders made the final decision: The earthquake victims would receive food and medical supplies. The sign was all too clear: “Here there be dragons”. Here is our honest opinion: We think you are a genius. Chicago I have very little time to learn the language: my new job starts in five weeks. A college degree is still worth something: a recent survey revealed that college graduates earned roughly 60% more than those with only a high school diploma. All three of their children are involved in the arts: Richard is a sculptor, Diane is a pianist, and Julie is a theater director. |
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| Rule: Chicago requires it to be uppercase IF there are two sentences which pertain to the reason for the colon, then capitalize both. | |||
| He made three points: First, the company was losing over a million dollars each month. Second, the stock price was lower than it had ever been. Third, no banks were willing to loan the company any more money. | |||
| Create Emphasis with an Appositive | Rule: After an independent clause, create emphasis by using a colon instead of a comma to introduce an appositive (word, phrase, or clause) at the end of a sentence.
CAUTION: Use lowercase if the word, phrase, or clause following the colon is not independent. Begin the clause with a capital letter if it is a second independent clause. |
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Legend:
He was watching his favorite type of television show: a baseball game. He learned a valuable lesson: Never argue with a woman. The reaction of the audience signified one overwhelming feeling: fear. |
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| List | Rule: After an independent clause, use a colon before formally introducing a list. | ||
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I’ll need the following ingredients:
I need to run these errands:
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| Bible | Rule: Between chapter and verse. | ||
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You will find those words in Genesis 1: 14-17. | ||
| Block Quote | Rule: Introduce a block quotation. | ||
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Per Hamlin’s own words on the topic:
“The hunt for the chemical responsible for this particular reaction encompasses a wide-range of disciplines including…” |
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| Correspondence | |||
| Salutation in a Letter | Rule: After the salutation in a formal letter. | ||
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Dear Mr. Jones: To Whom It May Concern: |
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| Subject in a Letter | Rule: After the introduction of the subject of a letter. | ||
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Re: Blog post on colons
Subject: Holiday Lights on the Square Attention: Accounts Payable |
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| Abbreviations Used | Rule: After an abbreviation to introduce the pertinent details or information. | ||
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cc: Tom Smith PS: Don’t forget your swimsuit. |
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| Ratio | Rule: Used to express a ratio of two numbers, with no space before or after the colon. | ||
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1:2 = 3:6.
1:3 The ratio of 5 to 2 may be written 5:2 or 5/2. The ratio of stars to triangles is 5:2. |
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| Time | Rule: Between hour and minute. | ||
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At 4:01 p.m. the doors will be opened.
She said the train leaves at 8:07 p.m. |
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| Separate Volume From Page | Rule: Used to separate the volume from page numbers of a cited work, with no space before or after the colon. | ||
| Punctuation Quarterly 4:86–89
Translates as volume 4, pages 86 through 89. |
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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!
Satisfy your curiosity about other Properly Punctuated posts on its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, Word Confusions, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.
Resources for Colon
“Colon.” The Punctuation Guide.com. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://www.thepunctuationguide.com/colon.html>.
Michella. “How to Use Uncommon Symbols.” Textbroker.com. Last updated 9 Feb 2023. Web. n.d.. <https://www.textbroker.com/uncommon-symbols>.
Pinterest Photo Credits
Giant, Inflatable Colon, <https://www.kingsdaughtershealth.com/blog/2017/march/giant-inflatable-colon-to-visit-ashland-town-cen/>, is courtesy of King’s Daughters Health.
