Last time we discussed the semi-colon; today we’ll discuss the colon. We use a colon (:) in the following cases:

  1. lists

A colon introduces a list.

                  The main points are as follows: (l) … , (2) … , (3) ….

                  I like three genres of movies: horror, suspense and noir.

  1. explanations

A colon can introduce an explanation or amplification.

                  We decided not to go for the show: we didn’t have too much money.

                  Cricket is a funny game: one ball can change everything.

Note: the left-hand side of a colon (the part of the sentence that comes before it) should always be an independent clause: it should be able to stand on its own.

  1. Direct Speech and quotations

Normally, direct speech is introduced by a comma in writing; for e.g. Sam opened his eyes and said, ‘Where am I?’

  1. But a long passage of direct speech may be introduced by a colon.

                  Starting his speech for the Annual Day event, the Principal said: ‘A number of factors       have contributed to the school’s excellent results. First of all, … ‘

  1. A colon can introduce a dialogue in a play

                  Lady Macbeth:There’s daggers in men’s smiles.

  1. A colon can even introduce quotations:

                  Gandhi made a wonderful statement: Be the change you want to see in the world

Compare semi-colon