Colon Do's and Don'ts
DO use a colonDO NOT use a colon> To set off an example
I only have found one problem with working and going to school: trying to figure out how to create a 48-hour day.
> To introduce a series, list or quotation
Your job duties will include the following: transporting clients to and from medical appointments, running a life skills group, and managing the budget for the group home.
> Between a verb and its object or a preposition and its object. Complete the thought before you type the colon.
Incorrect: Your job duties will include: transporting clients to and from medical appointments, running a life skills group, and managing the budget for the group home.
Correct: Your job duties will include transporting clients to and from medical appointments, running a life skills group, and managing the budget for the group home.--or--
Your job duties will include the following: transporting clients to and from medical appointments, running a life skills group, and managing the budget for the group home.
Incorrect: As soon as I graduate, I am looking forward to: a cruise to the islands, a visit to my parents in Alabama, and sleeping in on Saturdays.
Correct: As soon as I graduate, I am looking forward to a cruise to the islands, a visit to my parents in Alabama, and sleeping in on Saturdays.