How to Write
1 Minute Writing Tip – Using Colons in Lists
Apr
In this 1 Minute Writing tip, we look at when to use colons in lists. Do you always need a colon? Would a comma do instead? When should you use one over the other.
Let’s get into it.
So, you want to start a list with a colon. Sounds easy, don’t it?
Many writers assume that a colon always precedes a list.
Not true. Why?
The clause that precedes the colon must make complete sense on its own.
Look at these examples:
The team contained great players: defenders, midfielders and strikers.
The team contained defenders, midfielders and strikers.
In the first sentence, the clause preceding the colon has a subject and a predicate and makes complete sense on its own ‘The team contained great players.’
In the second sentence a colon should not be used, as the clause that would precede it would not make sense alone ‘The team contained’.
A little test.
Which one is right?
The Barcelona team contained defenders, midfielders and strikers.
The Barcelona team contained great players: defenders, midfielders and strikers.
The Barcelona team contained defenders: midfielders: strikers.
Answer: it stings like a…
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