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Colon before a List
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.
Table of Contents
- Using an Introduction that Warrants a Colon
- Using a Colon before a Bulleted List
- Ensure Your Introduction Can Stand Alone
- Lesson Summary

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.
- I picked the following numbers: 1, 2, 13, 17, and 23.
- 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:
We have a selection of pies. Choose from:
- Chicken and mushroom.
- Mince and onion.
- Cheese and onion.
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 However, we judge this ruling to be outdated given how common bullet points have become in the digital era.When a bulleted or numbered list is being introduced, it is acceptable to use an introduction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:
The lucky winners are:
1. Fred Bloggs
2. Joe Bloggs
3. John Doe
Note: Be aware that some of your readers might consider this as sloppy writing.1. Fred Bloggs
2. Joe Bloggs
3. John Doe
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.
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.
Select from:
Read about using a colon before bullet points.
- blue
- Red
- Pink.
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