Everyone knows how to use a colon, right? Or maybe not.
The most common misconception is that colons are just about lists, but that’s being unfair to the colon: it can do a lot more than just list things.
Unsurprisingly, the colon is quite similar to a semicolon. Remember, with a semicolon, there must be an independent clause (subject and conjugated verb) on either side of the semicolon. In other words, the semicolon is interchangeable with a full stop.
FORMULA: IC ; IC. = S + CV ; S + CV.
The colon is a little bit different, however. Just like a semicolon, a colon must have an IC before the colon. But unlike the semicolon, you can have pretty much anything you want after a colon: an IC, a phrase, a list, even just one word. While the semicolon is wedded to independent clauses, the colon is a bit more willing to play the field.
FORMULA: IC : Anything. = S + CV : Anything.
Even if there is a bit more wiggle room with the colon, you still need to be careful how you use it. It must be preceded by an independent clause, but that independent clause must also be a complete thought. Have a look at the example below:
EXAMPLE: They passed by villages and cities, such as: Mirzapur, Sirsa, and Allahabad.
This is an incorrect use of a colon. We do have a subject (They) and conjugated verb (passed) before the colon, but we do not have a complete thought. Why? Well because you can’t finish a clause with such as because it leaves you with an incomplete thought –you’re expecting something else to happen.
Another way of putting it is to say that what is before the colon must be able to stand on its own. Ignoring what comes after the colon, imagine putting a full stop instead of the colon: if that makes sense, you could use a colon; if not, then you can’t use a colon.
Let’s have a look at some examples of correct colon usage:
IC : IC
They walked to the river bank: the boatman’s vessel lay nestled among the reeds.
S + CV : S + CV
On the boat, Tanvi and Ganesh hid under a blanket: Horatio might be searching for them.
S + CV : S + CV
IC : Phrase
The boatman, Dilip, heaved off slowly from the bank: the beginning of their river journey.
S + CV : Phrase
IC : List
Flocks of birds flew overhead in the dawn light: storks, cranes, and a few stray flamingos.
S + CV : List
IC : Word
Dilip started the boat engine, overwhelming the boat with one smell: diesel.
S + CV : Word