[MUSIC PLAYING] - I'm back on Grammarly's YouTube with another episode of Level Up, your guide to writing and communication success. For the next few minutes, I'll discuss six important tips on how and when to use a colon. If you find this content helpful, please subscribe to the channel, give this video a thumbs up, and be on the lookout for more writing support from us. And before you go, make sure you visit grammarly.com to see how you can download free communication assistance today. On to the video. 

Let's kick things off with a definition to get fully acquainted with the topic. A colon introduces an element or series of elements that illustrates or amplifies the information that precedes the colon. The best way to absorb the rule is this. Think of a colon as a flashing arrow that points to the information following it. When a colon appears in a sentence, it usually gives the silent impression of "as follows," "which is" slash "are," or "thus." 

Let's go a bit further, like when you should use one, when not to use one, and the difference between a colon and a semicolon. The rules for using a colon can change depending on how you use it, and I'll explain how in a moment. But the two things it connects, be that a list or sentences, must be closely related. 

So when do you use them? A colon can be used to separate two independent clauses when the second clause is directly related to the first clause, not just vaguely related or when the emphasis is on the second clause. While you can also use a semicolon or a period between two independent yet related clauses, the colon is a little softer than the period, but a little harder than the semicolon. 

Here's an example of how to use a colon. There are three types of muscle in the body-- cardiac, smooth, and skeletal. The colon in this sentence signals that you are about to learn the names of the three types of muscles the sentence already mentioned. 

Colons are often used with lists. They can also be used to signal further clarification. So when should you use a colon? There are many times when a colon might be used in your writing. Here are six times you'll need one. Number one, lists. Colons are most often used to introduce lists. Taylor Swift has written a few songs about John Mayer-- "Dear John" and "Would've, Could've, Should've." 

Number two, nouns or noun phrases. Colons can be used before a noun or a noun phrase. The movie had everything I wanted-- action and suspense. Number three, quotes. Colons can be used to introduce a quotation. He ended with the immortal words of Neil Young-- "rock and roll can never die." 

Number 4, examples. A writer may use colons to illustrate their point by providing certain examples. There is one big reason we don't talk about Bruno-- his premonitions frightened the family. Number 5, numbers. Colons are used to separate units of time and ratios. 11:11 AM, 2:1. A colon can be used to separate a movie, book, or another piece of work's title from its subtitle. Here's an example, Black Panther-- Wakanda Forever. 

Let's move on and get into the differences between a colon and a semicolon. Here's a good way to go about the distinction. Think of the semicolon as the colon's cousin. They serve a similar purpose, but accomplish it in different ways. 

For example, a semicolon can be used to connect two independent clauses, but it acts as a conjunction rather than "as follows" or "including." Here's an example. I think I'll go to the mall today; I need new pants and a pair of shoes. The semicolon here takes the place of a conjunction because the second part expands on the first part. 

Semicolons can also be used to separate items in a lengthy list or if the list contains additional punctuation that might trip up the reader. My European football tour will consist of trips to Manchester, England; Glasgow, Scotland; and Turin, Italy. And you may be asking yourself, should I capitalize the word after a colon? Well, in British English, the word following a colon is not capitalized unless it's a proper noun or an acronym. In American English, styles differ, but it is best to capitalize the first word after a colon if what follows forms a complete sentence. 

Here's an example. There were warning signs that he might not finish the marathon. He barely trained in the days leading up to the race, and he wore the wrong shoes that day. You should also capitalize the first word after a colon if it's part of a proper noun. There was only one team she wanted to play for-- Seattle Storm. And remember, no matter what style book you're following, you should never capitalize the word after a colon if it begins a list. 

For more on the colon and semicolon, visit the Grammarly blog for an even deeper dive on the subject. If you like our videos, keep it locked here on YouTube and subscribe for more episodes like this. And finally, if you want to level up your writing, visit Grammarly to get instant communication assistance. Until next time, thanks for watching.