There are several ways you can use colons in your writing.
Use a colon instead of a period between two sentences that present contrasting ideas.
The researchers expected to solve the puzzle of the disease: Instead, they found more questions.
Use a colon between two clauses (complete thoughts) when the second thought adds to the first.
He explained the bottom line: It’s cheaper to fly.
Use a colon to introduce a list, but only when it follows an independent clause.
The president visited three countries on his trip: Japan, China and the Philippines.
Taken from Cleaning Your Copy: Grammar, Style and More, a self-directed course at Poynter NewsU.
