Language Arts GED Program

Colon use

In English writing, the colon is among the most often misused punctuation marks. Most writers, in the beginning, understand that the colon is used with lists. Many are not aware, however, of all the other times when a colon should be used. The colon should also be used, for example, after independent clauses.

The following three rules tell us when we should be using a colon:

Rule 1: We must use a colon right after an independent clause when followed by a list.

For example:

• She bought several things at the grocery store: bread, eggs, fruit, and milk.
• She was enjoying her classes last semester: Psychology 101, History 225, and English 121.

Did you notice that there are independent clauses preceding the colons in the above sentences? In the next two sentences, there are no independent clauses, so using colons would be incorrect:

• Incorrect: She bought several things at the grocery store such as: bread, eggs, fruit, and milk.
• Incorrect: She was enjoying her classes last semester, which were: Psychology 101, History 225, and English 121.

Rule 2: We must use a colon right after an independent clause when followed by a quotation.

For example:

• The English writing tutor handed me some fantastic advice on my GED essay: “Be sure that everything in your essay is relating to your thesis statement.”
• My English poetry teacher used her most favorite quote from Robert Frost regularly: “Nothing gold can stay.”

Rule 3: We must use a colon between 2 independent clauses if the second independent clause explains or emphasizes the first independent clause.

For example:

• His grandfather gave him some fantastic advice: he told him to always work hard and get well-educated.
• She always recommended the local Spanish restaurant to her visitors: the prices are very reasonable and the menu is quite extensive.

Note: Keep in mind that in business writing, a colon should always be used after salutations.

For example:

• Dear President Carter:
• To Whom It May Concern: