Colon for Introducing a List
Using a Colon after an Introduction for a List
A colon (:) can be used after an introduction for a list. In these examples, the introductions for the colons are highlighted:- There are just two more things we need to do: sign the contract and pop the cork.
- The following personnel have been selected:
1. Frederick Bloggs
2. Joe Bloggs
3. John Doe
- Lee likes the following pies: cheese and onion, chicken and mushroom, and beef and ale.
Ensure the Introduction for Your List Can Stand Alone
When a colon is used in normal-looking text (i.e., not a vertical list like bullet points), the introduction before the colon should be capable of standing alone. In other words, it should be an independent clause. Some strict grammarians maintain this ruling applies to all introductions preceding colons, even those that introduce bullet points and numbered points (like in the second example above).Look at these two examples:
- The people selected are: Frederick Bloggs, Joe Bloggs, and John Doe.
- The following people have been selected: Frederick Bloggs, Joe Bloggs, and John Doe.
- The people selected are Frederick Bloggs, Joe Bloggs, and John Doe. (The first example above is okay when the colon is removed.)
For Vertical Lists, There Is More Leniency
When a vertical list is being introduced (typically, a bulleted list or numbered list), it is more acceptable to use an introduction that does not stand alone. For example:- The people selected are:
1. Frederick Bloggs
2. Joe Bloggs
3. John Doe
A full introduction is tidier. For example:
- The following points were noted as a result of the fire-safety survey:
a. Fire exits blocked by empty PC boxes.
b. Batteries dead in smoke detectors.
c. Waste-paper bins used as ashtrays.
Use "The Following" to Write a Complete Introduction
Look at this example:- The winners are the following: John, Sarah, and Simon.
- The winners are: John, Sarah, and Simon. (The colon is wrong. The introduction before the colon does not contain a subject and a predicate; i.e., it cannot stand alone. This is unacceptable in normal text.)
- The winners are John, Sarah, and Simon.
- Contact us by:
1. Phone: 01908 311267
2. E-mail: colin@lion-tamers.co.uk
3. Fax: 01908 311269
- Beer: the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems. (Homer Simpson)
- Diplomacy: the patriotic art of lying for one's country. (Author Ambrose Bierce)
- The English country gentleman galloping after a fox: the unspeakable in full pursuit of the uneatable. (Playwright Oscar Wilde)
Introducing a Quotation
To justify a colon, the introduction before a quotation should also be an independent clause. For example:- He said these words: "not yet."
- He said: "not yet." (The introduction is not an independent clause. The colon is not justified.)
- He said, "not yet." (A comma is correct.)
- He said: "I'm not there yet." (The introduction is not an independent clause, but the quotation is a sentence. The colon is justified.)
Do Not Use a Semicolon to Introduce a List
Do not use semicolons for introductions.- I spotted the following members of the crow family while on the moors;
a. rook
b. magpie
c. carrion crow
- The following personnel passed the first-aid test on
Tue 24 Aug;
a. Jane Seymour (97%).
b. David Evans (91%).
c. Dawn Ellison-Smith (91%).
A Colon and a Hyphen
There is no need to add a hyphen to a colon.- You will benefit from:-
1. Lower interest rates
2. Free survey
3. 24-hour helpdesk
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