The Colon:The Colon:A well-trained magician’s assistantA well-trained magician’s assistant

It pauses slightly to give you time to get a bit worried, and then efficiently whisks away the cloth and reveals the trick complete. Lynn Truss from Eats, Shoots and Leaves

Rule 1:Noting what followsRule 1:Noting what follows

A. Use a colon before a list of items, A. Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions like especially after expressions like

the followingthe following and and as follows.as follows.

Example:Example:

Please have the following supplies for next classPlease have the following supplies for next class:: a a light bulb, nun chucks, and a cup of decaffeinated light bulb, nun chucks, and a cup of decaffeinated coffee.coffee.

B. Use a colon before a long, formal B. Use a colon before a long, formal statement or a long quotation.statement or a long quotation.

Example:Example:

I plan to begin my education research paper with this Dennis Miller I plan to begin my education research paper with this Dennis Miller quotequote: : “You know there is a problem with the education system “You know there is a problem with the education system when you realize that out of the 3 R's only one begins with an R.”when you realize that out of the 3 R's only one begins with an R.”

C. Use a colon between independent C. Use a colon between independent clauses when the second clause explains clauses when the second clause explains or restates the idea of the first.or restates the idea of the first.

Example:Example:

Tom has only one rule in life: never eat Tom has only one rule in life: never eat anything bigger than your head.anything bigger than your head.

Rule 2: Conventional SituationsRule 2: Conventional Situations

A. Between the hour and the minuteA. Between the hour and the minute 8:30 A.M.8:30 A.M.

B. Between Chapter and Verse in Biblical B. Between Chapter and Verse in Biblical ReferencesReferences Genesis 3:17Genesis 3:17

Rule 2: Conventional SituationsRule 2: Conventional Situations

C. Between Titles and SubtitlesC. Between Titles and Subtitles Harry Potter 8: The Time they just Sat there Harry Potter 8: The Time they just Sat there

for 300 Pagesfor 300 Pages

D. After the Salutation of a Business LetterD. After the Salutation of a Business Letter Dear Professor Plum:Dear Professor Plum:

Rule 2: Conventional SituationsRule 2: Conventional Situations

E. Separating Characters and Dialogue in a playE. Separating Characters and Dialogue in a play Eugene: What was the best thing before sliced Eugene: What was the best thing before sliced

bread?bread?

F. You can probably think of some others F. You can probably think of some others too.too.