When to Use a Colon, With Examples

 A colon introduces an element or series of elements that illustrates or amplifies the information that precedes the colon.  

Though using a colon may seem confusing, its function is straightforward. Think of it as an arrow that points to the information following it. When a colon appears in a sentence, it usually gives the silent impression of “as follows,” “which is/are,” or “thus.”

Still confused? Read on to learn everything you need to know about the grammatical colon: what it is, when you should use one, when not to use one, and the difference between a colon and a semicolon.


What is a colon?

A colon is a punctuation mark that’s used to connect sentences, put emphasis on a word or phrase, or introduce a quote or explanation. 

The rules for using a colon can change depending on how you use it, and we’ll explain how in a moment, but the two things it connects (be that a list or sentences) must be closely related. That is, whatever follows a colon should be connected to what came before it. 

When should you use a colon?

There are many times when a colon might be used in your writing: Here are a few. 

1 Lists 

Colons are most often used to introduce lists. 

Taylor Swift has written a few songs about John Mayer: “Dear John,” “The Story of Us,” and “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve.” 

2 Nouns or noun phrases 

Colons can be used before a noun or a noun phrase.

The movie had everything I wanted: action and suspense. 

3 Quotes

Colons can introduce a quotation.

He ended with the immortal words of Neil Young: “Rock and Roll can never die.”

4  Examples 

A writer may use colons to illustrate their point by providing certain examples. 

There is one big reason we don’t talk about Bruno: His premonitions frightened the family. 

5 Numbers

Colons are used to separate units of time and ratios. 

11:11 a.m.

2:1

6 Titles and subtitles 

A colon can be used to separate a movie, book, or another piece of work’s title from its subtitle. 

Colon-oscopy: The Best Punctuation Puns 

When not to use a colon

A colon should not separate a noun from its verb, a verb from its object or subject complement, a preposition from its object, or a subject from its predicate.

To illustrate, here is one of our sentences from above rewritten incorrectly.

The three types of muscle in the body are: cardiac, smooth, and skeletal.

Putting the colon here separates the verb “are” from its subject complements (“cardiac,” “smooth,” and “skeletal”).

When I graduate, I want to go to: Rome, Israel, and Egypt.

In this sentence, the colon separates the preposition “to” from its objects (“Rome,” “Israel,” and “Egypt”). To write this sentence correctly, the colon should be removed.

When I graduate, I want to go to Rome, Israel, and Egypt.

Lastly, colons should not be used after “including,” “especially,” or other similar phrases. As we explained earlier, a colon essentially replaces these words, so using them before one would be redundant. 

Colon vs. semicolon

Think of the semicolon as the colon’s cousin; they serve a similar purpose but accomplish it in different ways. 

For example, a semicolon can also be used to connect two independent clauses, but it acts as a conjunction rather than “as follows” or “including.” 

I think I’ll go to the mall today; I need new pants and a pair of shoes. 

The semicolon here takes the place of a conjunction because the second part expands on the first part. 

Semicolons can also be used to separate items in a lengthy list or if the list contains additional punctuation that might trip up the reader.

My European football tour will consist of trips to Manchester, England; Glasgow, Scotland; Lille, France; and Turin, Italy. 

Should you capitalize the word after a colon?

In British English, the word following a colon is not capitalized unless it is a proper noun or an acronym. 

In American English, styles differ, but it is best to capitalize the first word after a colon if what follows forms a complete sentence. 

There were warning signs that he might not finish the marathon: He barely trained in the days leading up to the race, and he wore the wrong shoes that day. 

You should also capitalize the first word after a colon if it’s part of a proper noun. 

There was only one team she wanted to play for: Seattle Storm.

No matter what stylebook you’re following, you should never capitalize the word after a colon if it begins a list. 

Colon examples

Here are five sentences that use colons in different ways. 

  • There are several grocery stores where you can buy apples: Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and Kroger, among others.
  • They’re my ideal partner: outgoing and smart. 
  • It’s like my grandmother said: “The journey is the destination.” 
  • And now it’s time to tell you why I’ve gathered you all here: time-shares. 
  • Computer: A History of the Information Machine  

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