1. The Colon: A well-trained magician’s assistant It pauses slightly to give you time to get a bit worried, and then efficiently whisks away the cloth and reveals the trick complete. Lynn Truss from Eats, Shoots and Leaves

2. Rule 1:Noting what follows A. Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions like the following and as follows. Example: Please have the following supplies for next class: a light bulb, nun chucks, and a cup of decaffeinated coffee. Please have the following supplies for next class: a light bulb, nun chucks, and a cup of decaffeinated coffee.

3. B. Use a colon before a long, formal statement or a long quotation. Example: I plan to begin my education research paper with this Dennis Miller quote: “You know there is a problem with the education system when you realize that out of the 3 R's only one begins with an R.” I plan to begin my education research paper with this Dennis Miller quote: “You know there is a problem with the education system when you realize that out of the 3 R's only one begins with an R.”

4. C. Use a colon between independent clauses when the second clause explains or restates the idea of the first. Example: Tom has only one rule in life: never eat anything bigger than your head. Tom has only one rule in life: never eat anything bigger than your head.

5. Rule 2: Conventional Situations A. Between the hour and the minute 8:30 A.M. 8:30 A.M. B. Between Chapter and Verse in Biblical References Genesis 3:17 Genesis 3:17

6. Rule 2: Conventional Situations C. Between Titles and Subtitles Harry Potter 8: The Time they just Sat there for 300 Pages Harry Potter 8: The Time they just Sat there for 300 Pages D. After the Salutation of a Business Letter Dear Professor Plum: Dear Professor Plum:

7. Rule 2: Conventional Situations E. Separating Characters and Dialogue in a play Eugene: What was the best thing before sliced bread? Eugene: What was the best thing before sliced bread? F. You can probably think of some others too.