colon

You cannot separate a transitive verb from its direct objects with a colon.

No punctuation is required.

A colon emphasizes the one thing needed.

A colon is appropriate for introducing a short, formal, or emphatic quotation.

Both colon and semicolon are acceptable to separate independent clauses when the second explains the first.

A colon is used to denote a ratio.

In a formal journal entry, a colon after the opening salutation is acceptable.

A colon should not follow the verb 'include'. The sentence should be 'The ingredients include eggs, butter, and flour.'

No punctuation is needed after a linking verb.

A colon introduces a formal quotation.

A colon is correct when the second independent clause explains the first.

A colon introduces an explanation or emphasis of the preceding clause.

Time notation uses a colon.

A colon is not used to separate a clause from a numerical ratio in this manner; it is grammatically awkward.

The colon follows an independent clause 'Please consider these options'.

The second clause explains the first clause (Life is like a game).

A colon introduces a list after an independent clause.

You cannot put a colon after a linking verb like 'are' unless a formal list is introduced by an explicit noun.

The colon is correct after an introductory phrase that sets up a list.