Introduction

Not all lists should be introduced by colons. Here's how to determine whether or not to use a colon with a list.

1. Analyze the material that introduces the list. Is it is a main clause? Only a main clause should be followed by a colon.

   Example: The university's hiring policy forbids discrimination based on: age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or physical disability.

   The material that introduces the list, The university's hiring policy forbids discrimination based on, is not a main clause. Therefore, it should not be followed by a colon.

2. If the material introducing the list is not a main clause, revise either the punctuation or the sentence structure.

   Revision A: The university's hiring policy forbids discrimination based on: age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or physical disability.

   In revision A, the punctuation has been revised (the colon has been deleted).

   Revision B: The university's hiring policy forbids discrimination based on any of the following: age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or physical disability.

   In revision B, the sentence structure has been revised. A main clause now introduces the list, so a colon can be used.

Remember: Do not use a colon to introduce a list unless a main clause introduces the list.