B2nounlanguagehealth
US/ˈkoʊ.lən/
UK/ˈkəʊ.lən/
the mark (:) that comes before a list or an explanation; also a body part near the end of the gut
In context
Use a colon before a list, like this: eggs, milk and bread.
Put a colon between the hours and the minutes, for example 10:30.
Doctors say that eating more fiber lowers the risk of colon cancer.
Words that go with colon
noun + noun
- colon cancerRegular check-ups can find colon cancer early.
verb + noun
- use a colonYou can use a colon to introduce an example.
- put a colonDon't put a colon directly after a verb like 'are'.
- add a colonAdd a colon after 'Ingredients' and then list them.
verb + preposition
- followed by a colonWrite the speaker's name, followed by a colon.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Put two dots after the title.Correct: Put a colon after the title.