A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. ... Introduce lists, text or tabular material—Capitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence.
How do you use a colon in a sentence?
Colons in Sentences
- There are two choices at this time: run away or fight.
- We knew who would win the game: the Eagles.
- He wanted to see three cities in Italy: Rome, Florence, and Venice.
- Here are three states that begin with M: Michigan, Mississippi, and Maine.
Why use a colon instead of a comma?
Use a colon to set off a second independent clause that modifies the first. ... Use colons to introduce quotations after an independent clause. Use a comma when introducing quotations after a dependent clause.
