Gabriela N. answered • 10/06/24
Ivy+ Expert English & Essay Strategist | 6+ Years Experience
Colons (:) are used to introduce a list, noun, or an independent clause with a direct relationship to the clause preceding it.
Ex. 1. The ice cream shop had an incredible assortment of flavors: honey, green tea, wild strawberry, and vanilla.
Even though colons are most often used to introduce a list (see above example), they can also be used along with independent clauses, including questions.
Ex. 2. The detective had only one question: Who was the murderer?
Ex. 3. All day Kate had the same thought: This room is freezing.
The key with colons is that the relationship between what's before and after the colon is a direct one. In other words, the colon needs to introduce something specific.
It's also worth noting that when an independent clause (or a complete sentence) is introduced after the colon, the first letter should be capitalized (see Ex. 2 & 3). This is not the case when a colon introduces a single noun or a list (see Ex. 1)!
Some more tips: Colon expressions
Some expressions take colons while others do not. One almost always uses a colon after the expressions: 'the following' and 'as follows'.
Ex. 4. Take the following precautions when bicycling: wear brightly colored clothing, use hand signals, and don't forget a helmet.
Do not use a colon with 'including' or 'such as'. Although these phrases often precede nouns in a list, they do not require the use of a colon!
Ex. 5. We tried several different truffles, including raspberry, caramel, and coffee.
Ex. 6. Some animals are nocturnal, such as raccoons, owls, and foxes.
