Concept 4

Use colons to introduce lists or explanations when grammatically valid.

Use a colon only after a complete clause and only when what follows explains, illustrates, or lists something promised by that clause.

Rule: A colon is not just a dramatic pause. The words before it must already form a complete sentence.

If the first part is incomplete, the colon is illegal. If the first part is complete and the second part gives the details you were expecting, the colon can work well.

Question

Which choice best completes the sentence?

"The committee agreed on three goals _____ lower costs, shorter lines, and clearer signs."

Select an answer to see the explanation