Grammar and Punctuation: Colons

Colons 

Colons can be used to join two independent clauses when you wish to emphasize the second clause.

• I forgot my umbrella: we got soaked.

Colons can be used to introduce a clause that reflects something in the clause preceding the colon.

• We like several types of movies: romance movies are emotionally moving, but action movies are really exciting.

Colons can be used to introduce lists, quotations, and explanations.

• I have many different favourite teams: the Oilers, the Flames, and the Blue Jays.
• U.S. President George Washington once said the following: "To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace."
• This is how it happened: I had a quarter for the meter, then I dropped it down the sewer crack, I came out of the store and suddenly, I had a parking ticket!