Colons

Colons ( : )

Use a colon to introduce a list. Do not use a colon before a list that follows a verb or a preposition.

1. We have lived in the following states: Indiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
2. You need to bring the following items: a sleeping bag, toothbrush, pillow, and a flashlight.
3. The list of literary items includes conflict, climax, and foil. (Do not use colon because you have the verb includes before the list.)
4. In the past five years my family has lived in Georgia, Colorado, and New Mexico. (Do use colon because the preposition in precedes the list).

Use a colon to draw attention to a noun or noun phrase.

My best friend provided the things I needed most: companionship and encouragement

Use a colon before a long, formal statement or quotation.

O’Henry had this to say about Della and Jim: “But in a last word to the wise of these days, let it be said that of all of us who give gifts, these two were the wisest.”

Use a colon to connect sentences when the second sentence summarizes, illustrates, exemplifies, clarifies, or explains the first.

The school is a microcosm of society: the drama, personalities, and conflict from the real world all occur but on a smaller level.
Life is like box of chocolates: you never know what you're going to get.

Use a colon for time, salutation of business letters, and passages from the Bible.