Colons are frequently misused in the following situations.
- Comma substitutionDo not use a colon to substitute a comma. Therefore, not
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To complete your admission application: send the required documents by the end of the month. |
but
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To complete your admission application, send the required documents by the end of the month. |
- With for example or such asDo not use colons with for example or such as, which serve the same purpose as a colon. Therefore, not
You must provide an outline of your research proposal, for example:objectives, methods, related research and expected outcomes. but
You must provide an outline of your research proposal, for example objectives, methods, related research and expected outcomes. - After a prepositionDo not use colons between a preposition and its complement. Therefore, not
The Council announced cutbacks in: research funding, international cooperation and staff development. but
The Council announced cutbacks in research funding, international cooperation and staff development. - Two or more colons in a sentenceNever use more than one colon in a sentence.
The Council’s priorities are controversial: they have been praised and criticised by all groups: PDI, PAS and students. Note, however, that you can use a semi-colon and a colon together in the same sentence.
The Government cutbacks have been devastating; protests are planned by many people working in the most affected areas: education, healthcare and social services.