Colon before a List

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Using a Colon before a List

A colon is often used to introduce a list. For example:

• We saw the following birds in the garden: three blue tits, two great tits, a wren, and a robin.
• These gems are commonly found in Afghanistan: sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.

Using an Introduction that Warrants a Colon

In order to justify the colon, the introduction (highlighted) should be an independent clause, i.e., one that can stand alone as a sentence.

• Lee likes the following pies: chicken and mushroom, mince and onion, and cheese and onion.
(The introduction can usually be made an independent clause by including the term "the following.")

Here is another example:

• I picked the following numbers: 1, 2, 13, 17, and 23.
(The introduction is an independent clause. The colon is justified. Even though it feels like the term "the following" leaves the clause unfinished, it is enough to qualify the clause as an independent clause from a grammatical perspective.)

These two similar examples do not warrant colons after the introductions:

• Lee likes pies. He likes: chicken and mushroom, mince and onion, and cheese and onion.
• I picked: 1, 2, 13, 17, and 23.

Using a Colon before a Bulleted List

When a colon is used with a vertical list (e.g., bulleted list, a numbered list), there is more leniency. The clause before the colon can be a short introduction that does not stand alone (i.e., is not an independent clause). For example:

Ensure Your Introduction Can Stand Alone

Some strict grammarians maintain that the clause before a colon must always be capable of standing alone, even when the colon introduces a vertical list. However, we judge this ruling to be outdated given how common bullet points have become in the digital era.

When a bulleted or numbered list is being introduced, it is acceptable to use an introduction that does not stand alone. For example: Note: Be aware that some of your readers might consider this as sloppy writing.

Even though a short introduction is widely accepted for a vertical list, when using sentence format (i.e., normal text), you must use a fuller introduction (i.e., one that can stand alone). For example:

• The luck winners are: Fred Bloggs, Joe Bloggs, and John Doe.
• The lucky winners are Fred Bloggs, Joe Bloggs, and John Doe.

Read more about using colons for introductions. Read more about using colons with bullet points.

Lesson Summary

Do not use a colon after an incomplete introduction with a list written in sentence format. For example:

• Select from: blue, red, and pink.
• Select from blue, red, and pink.

With a bulleted list, the introduction can be incomplete. For example: Read about using a colon before bullet points.

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