Use of Colon

The colon is a punctuation mark that is written by two equally sized dots in a vertical line, that is, (:). Its use in writings helps in formally or emphatically introduce a list, appositives, quotations or even series. A colon implies a promise and the promise is delivered on by the matter following the promise. Many people stumble and fumble and wonder what is the correct use of a colon in sentence construction. In this article, we will discuss the appropriate usage in a sentence according to the rules of English grammar.

Appropriate Usage

When one needs to place extra emphasis or needs to imply a degree of formality, the use of colon can be employed. The phrase, word or clause can be used as an apposition to a substantive in the introductory statement.

EXAMPLES

Word
The most important thing for the body to survive: oxygen.

Phrase
The evil step mothers intentions were clear: death of the princess.

Clause
Always keep one thing in mind: Never drink and drive.

It is included after an introductory statement that indicates a point clearly.

EXAMPLES

In a List
The children asked for many expensive gifts this Christmas: a remote-controlled car, PlayStation 2, the new addition sports shoes and a Chocolate Labrador.

In case of writing a formal, long or paragraphed quoted passage, a colon helps separating the introductory statement from the quotation.

EXAMPLES

For Quotations
The golden rule for handling men by Mae West: "Tell the pretty one's they're smart and tell the smart one's they're pretty."

Many people are confused with the correct use in letter writing. In a formal letter format or business letter format, the colon comes after the salutation. In case of friendly letter format or an informal letter, a common follows the salutation.

EXAMPLES

In Formal/Business Letter

1. Dear Mr. Brown:
2. Gentlemen:
3. To the Chairman:

The use of colon also includes separating the title from its subtitle.

EXAMPLES

To Separate Titles

1. Joey Goes to Oberland: Audrey Wins the Trick and Dora of the Lower Fifth by Josephine M. Bettany
2. Imaginary Realist: The Life of Timothy Eugene by Milton Sharp

Incorrect Usage

One cannot use the colon to separate the verb from the object.

EXAMPLES

Incorrect
My favorite hobbies are: drawing, painting, sketching and coloring.

Correct
My favorite hobbies are drawing, painting, sketching and coloring.

The colon in a sentence should not separate the preposition from the object.

EXAMPLES

Incorrect
She was the head of: accounts, cash registers, treasury department, etc.

Correct
She was the head of accounts, cash registers, treasury department, etc.

A sentence that has introduced a word, phrase or clause by a colon, should end with the introduced element.

EXAMPLES

Incorrect
There were 3 demands of the demonstrators: higher pay rise, longer breaks and half day on Saturdays, but none of their demands were met by the management.

Correct
There were 3 demands of the demonstrators: higher pay rise, longer breaks and half day on Saturdays. Unfortunately, none of their demands were met by the management.

These are a few examples to help explain the appropriate use in a sentence. It is also included to express time (10:45 am), cite a Biblical passage (John III:14 - 16), introducing a speech in a dialog, etc.