Colons in Lists: How to Use Colons to Introduce Lists | English Punctuation Lesson

Learn how to correctly use colons in lists (:) and understand when a colon is necessary and when it is not. Colons are useful punctuation marks to introduce lists, explanations, definitions, or quotations. This lesson will focus on using colons to introduce lists.

The most important rule is that we use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list.
Example: I need to buy several items: milk, bread, eggs, and cheese.
The colon usage is correct here because "I need to buy several items" is a complete sentence. It is an independent clause.

We do not use colons if the colon will interrupt or break up the sentence.
Example: I need to buy: milk, bread, eggs, and cheese.
This colon would be INCORRECT as "I need to buy" is not an independent clause.

I will share other examples of when not to use colons in this lesson. At the end of the lesson, there will be a quiz to practice your knowledge.

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• 16 Basic Punctuation Rules eBook: https://sparkleenglish.podia.com/basi...

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - What is a colon?
01:05 - When to use colons in lists
02:15 - Use a colon for emphasis
03:10 - Use a colon after phrases like the following/as follows
04:05 - When NOT to use a colon
06:25 - Don't use colons after phrases like such as, including, especially
07:25 - Quiz
08:20 - Answers

👩🏼‍🏫 LEARN MORE:
• Common English Errors:    • Common English Grammar Errors  
• Punctuation Lessons:    • English Writing Essentials  
• Grammar Lessons:    • English Grammar Essentials  

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