Section outline

  • Colon ( : ) indicates a long pause.

    It is used:

    1.To introduce a quote after an independent clause.

    Example:

    Chief said it rightly: ''Honesty is the best policy''.

    2. Before a list of items.

    Example: 

    Purchase the following items: two pens, pencil box, crayon box, compass & a ruler.

    3. To state an explanation or statement or elaboration or example related to a preceding clause.

    Example: 

    She had one goal: to become an air hostess.

    4.  To separate the main title from the subtitle.

    Example:

    The Art of Writing: A Guide to Style and Structure.

    5. To show ratio & proportion:

    Example:

    The ratio of rice to water for this recipe is 1:3.

    6. To show time by separating hours from minutes.

    Example:

    The game begins at 19:30.