Examples

Follow the steps in each example to determine whether a colon should be used.

1. It has long been a truism that the three most important things about a piece of real estate are (colon/no colon) location, location, location.

   Step 1. The material that introduces the list is not a main clause because it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Within the that clause, the verb are needs a complement, and the list serves this function.
   Step 2. No colon should be used since the list is not introduced by an independent clause.

2. Renovations that typically increase a home's value include (colon/no colon) modernizing the kitchen, adding a bathroom, and building a deck.

   Step 1. The list does not follow a main clause. Instead, the list material serves as the object of the verb include.
   Step 2. Leave the colon out, since the list is not introduced by an independent clause.

3. Our realtor showed us three houses on Sunday (colon/no colon) a cottage in the west part of town, a ranch home near the university, and a townhouse next to the lake.

   Step 1. A main clause introduces the list, so it is correct to introduce the list with a colon.

4. The townhouse has several features that we've been wanting (colon/no colon) large closets, high ceilings, and an open floor plan.

   Step 1. A main clause introduces the list, so it is correct to introduce the list with a colon.

5. Best of all, it has (colon/no colon) a beautiful view, a quiet setting, and a reasonable price.

   Step 1. The list does not follow a main clause. Instead, the list material serves as the object of the verb has.
   Step 2. Either remove the colon or change the structure so that a main clause introduces the list. Best of all, it has a beautiful view, a quiet setting, and a reasonable price.