By: Mariah Vigil and Alex Nguyen Colon By: Mariah Vigil and Alex Nguyen

When to use a colon between a grammatically complete introductory clause and a final phrase or clause that illustrates, extends, or amplifies the preceding thought. A colon means "that is to say" or "here's what I mean."

The facts If the clause following the colon is a complete sentence, it begins with a capital letter. Use when listing items A colon may be used to introduce a long quotation.

Examples These are the pool rules: Do not run No diving ect… The author wrote in the first chapter: Georgia went back to her bed and stared at the ceiling… Avoid using a colon before a list when it directly follows a verb or preposition. Incorrect: I want: butter, sugar, and flour. Correct: I want the following: butter, sugar, and flour.

Think of the colon as a gate, inviting one to go on: There is only one thing left to do now: confess while you still have time. The charter review committee now includes the following people: the mayor the chief of police the fire chief