Grammar & Punctuation : When to Use a Colon

Use a colon when an independent clause, or complete sentence, is followed by either a list or a quote. Colons are also used between two independent clauses when the second one describes or explains the first one. Get examples of how to use a colon in writing from a writer and English tutor in this free video on grammar and punctuation.

Expert: Heather Kamins
Bio: Heather Kamins was diagnosed with lupus when she was 14 years old, and has dealt with kidney involvement, joint problems, medication side effects and other lupus-related issues.
Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

[yuvrajsinhvaghela]

short and straightforward, thank you.

[Revolutionl]

These videos are terrific!
You are a great teacher by the way.

thanks so much.

[wookiedestroyer]

Incredibly helpful, thank you very much!

[mishioedward]

Thanks alot!
I have 2 questions though:
1. In your last example, what would u say is appropriate to use instead of a semicolon? (1:08)
2. When you spoke about the colon used in a salutation of a formal letter—were u implying it's more preferable to comma?(in that context 1:20)

[Layarion]

0:55 could it also be "There was only one thing he could do: call the plumber"?

[Anaiss]

When do you put a colon instead of a comma in the salutation of a letter?

[dockmasterted]

can you tell me why I have been told to write "by:" in front of my signature on documents?

[robbysharolaid]

How is the first sentence any different from the one that talks about the three brothers? Milk, eggs, and break is not a complete sentence; therefore, why would you use a colon?

[DreamHavok]

u said u use a colon if the second sentence is describing can you give an example. also can you tell what is being used here; im deadly evil, desert eagle. i try more lime this bit it dosent happen can you help?

[Sabuj]

@robbysharolaid Because there can't be any colon in between the verb and its object.

[Sinsiterules]

Because, "She needed to buy three things" is a complete sentence on its own, but "My brother's names are" is not a complete sentence on its own

[seemin]

U should never put colon Anaiss818, only comma .
Better use comma in the salutation of the letter .
Thank you