Colon (:)

Colon is a 2 vertical dot (:) performing certain straightforward functionalities in the sentences. It is commonly used for introducing something.

To Show Something / To Explain

Commonly seen to answering an answered question (independent clause for dependent clause).

Both movies are great but SkyPal has one thing that makes it better: dogs that play sports.
Going skydiving made me face one of my greatest fear: parachuting.

Basically to show something.

Presenting a list. Example:

We need to find 3 things:

1. a match

2. a leaf

3. an abandoned ship

Present an item or something.

I only wanted one thing: peanuts.

To present a quote / dialog.

My friend Liz said it best: "Never open a jar."

To explain the first clause (uncommon use)

we can use colon to separate context.

Commonly used to indicate the owner of the quote:

Bear Man: "Adventures in Alaska."

or a short note:

Kim:

Remember to take the medicine!

Jim

Commonly used to separate hour, minute, and seconds in time format.

It's now 10:45 am.

It's scheduled at 11:45am, Oct 12, 2018.

Split elements in a title.

The Voyage: F35

Section 1:33 (4)

1 Corinthian 13:4 (in bible)

Are the clauses presenting one another?
1. NO - don't use colon.
Is the former clause indicates an owner while the latter is a quote?
1. YES - use colon.
Is the latter clause explains or expands the former clause?
1. YES - use colon.
Is the former clause a salutation / time / elements of a Title?
1. YES - use colon in their respective format accordingly.
Is the former clause trying to introduce / to show a list / item?
1. YES - use colon.

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