1. Colon Usage

2. Rule 1
Use a colon after a sentence or independent clause when introducing a list of items.
Incorrect: "All dogs must get: food, water, and healthcare."
Reason: The part of the sentence before the colon does not illustrate a complete thought.
Correct: "There are three things that every dog needs: food, water, and healthcare."

3. Rule 2
Use a colon to introduce a quotation (needs to be an independent clause before quote).
Ex: My teacher’s remark on my final essay was very complimentary: “This essay coherently analyzes musical trends of the late 20th century.”

4. Rule 3
Use a colon following a greeting (also known as a salutation) in a letter
Example:
Dear Mrs. Stivers:

5. Rule 4
Use a colon between two clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first, or if you want to emphasize the second clause.
Ex: I have very little time to learn the language: my new job starts in five weeks.
Ex: A college degree is still worth something: a recent survey revealed that college graduates earned roughly 60% more than those with only a high school diploma.

6. Where Should the Colon Go?
The catering facility offers the following entrees fried catfish, grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, and sirloin steak.
I don’t understand why everyone shops at that store everything there is so expensive.
I gave you the spray bottles for one reason to clean the windows.
My father ended every conversation in the same way “Don’t give up.”
I have to go to summer school I am two credits short.
There is a lot of noise outside school was dismissed early
Jay is at the airport he came home early