You are here: Home » Free Lessons » Writing Lessons » Colons
Colons

What are colons?
A colon is a symbol used when writing. It is normally used to introduce a list of things.
:
The symbol above this sentence is a colon.
When should I use colons?
There are several rules about using colons in English. Here are the most important rules.
1. Introducing a list
If you want to introduce a list of things in a sentence, you normally need a colon.
Example:
Today I will go to the shop and buy the following things: bread, milk and cheese.
(Colons are not normally used after verbs which would normally not need any punctuation.)
Examples:
I want to buy: bread, milk and cheese. (Wrong. If you did not put a colon after buy, the sentence would make sense.)
Here is what I want: bread, milk and cheese. (Right. If you did not put a colon after want, the sentence would not make sense.)
2. Introducing a list of things one by one
If you list a number of things one by one, you normally need a colon.
Example:
The right person for the job will have:
– strong communication skills
– experience in customer service
– the ability to work weekends
3. Introducing something that explains or gives further information in a sentence
If you introduce something into a sentence which gives more information, you normally need a colon.
Example:
He worked hard and got exactly what he wanted: a new car.
4. Introducing a long piece of information or quote
If you want to quote a long piece of text in your writing, you normally need a colon.
Example:
In her book, she wrote:
‘He went to bed feeling very disappointed with what had happened that day. He just couldn’t believe things turned out that way.‘
More lessons for you
Want weekly lessons?
Enter your email below and you will get 1-2 English lessons sent to your inbox every week. We may also occasionally email you updates and discounts for our products.
See our Privacy Policy here. Unsubscribe anytime.
Want to improve your English?
Join thousands of other learners and get free English lessons, tips & tricks, strategies, news and updates!
See our Privacy Policy here. Unsubscribe anytime.
JOIN THE
English Understood Academy

Learn anytime
7 courses, 500+ lessons

Friendly community
Meet English learners and speaking partners

Helpful teachers
Ask teachers questions
Audible free trial tablet and mobile
Want weekly lessons?
Enter your email below and you will get 1-2 English lessons sent to your inbox every week. We may also occasionally email you updates and discounts for our products.
See our Privacy Policy here. Unsubscribe anytime.
Want to improve your English?
Join thousands of other learners and get free English lessons, tips & tricks, strategies, news and updates!
See our Privacy Policy here. Unsubscribe anytime.
JOIN THE
English Understood Academy

Learn anytime
7 courses, 500+ lessons

Friendly community
Meet English learners and speaking partners

Helpful teachers
Ask teachers questions