Using Colons

A colon (:) draws readers' attention to what comes after it. Use a colon to introduce a list.
To sketch the stars, I gathered some supplies: a telescope, paper, pencils, and a flashlight.
The words before the colon must form a complete sentence.
Incorrect—I hope to: gaze at the moon, draw its craters, and find the Orion Nebula.
Correct—I hope to do three things: gaze at the moon, draw its craters, and find the Orion Nebula.
Use a colon to introduce a formal quotation.