In the running prose that we encounter in books, magazines, articles, and the like, colons are mostly used to introduce a clause or a phrase that explains, illustrates, amplifies, or restates what precedes …

Apr 25, 2023 · Read on to learn everything you need to know about the grammatical colon: what it is, when you should use one, when not to use one, and the difference between a colon and a semicolon.

Feb 14, 2026 · Matthew Adams breaks down seven important colon usage rules, from handling lists to using in titles and more.

Sep 16, 2024 · Get a clear understanding of when to use colons in your writing with our simple, easy-to-follow guide.

Oct 2, 2021 · What is the colon? The colon (:) is a punctuation mark used to introduce a list or a quotation, or to explain and amplify a statement. Its purpose is to direct attention to the information …

The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. In such usage, the colon functions in much the same way as the semicolon. As with the semicolon, …

If a complete sentence follows a colon, as in the previous example, authorities are divided over whether to capitalize the first word. Some writers and editors feel that capitalizing a complete sentence after a …

Learn how and when to use a colon correctly, with examples!

You can let your desired flow of text determine whether you use a colon, a comma, or nothing. In more formal writing, however, a comma or a colon is expected after an introduction to a quotation.

Jan 13, 2026 · Today's article on punctuation marks explains how to properly use the colon in your writing.