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CAPITALIZATION AFTER COLONS: RULES AND EXAMPLES

Grammarly
Updated on April 25, 2023Grammar


CAPITALIZATION: FIRST WORD AFTER A COLON

In American English, the first word after a colon is sometimes capitalized if it
begins a complete sentence; in British English, the first letter after a colon
is capitalized only if it’s a proper noun or an acronym.

Here are some tips for using colons properly:

 * When a colon introduces a list of things, do not capitalize the first word
   after the colon unless it is a proper noun.
 * When a colon introduces a phrase or an incomplete sentence that is meant to
   add information to the sentence before it, do not capitalize the first word
   after the colon unless it is a proper noun.
 * When a colon introduces a complete sentence, you may capitalize the first
   word after the colon according to some style guides. Read on for details.



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When’s the last time you used a colon in your writing? Many writers avoid this
punctuation mark because they’re unsure how to use it properly. Colons can be
quite useful, though. Not only do they introduce lists, but they also alert the
reader to an explanation of the previous sentence. Colons provide a way of
expounding upon information in such a way that connects the ideas in two or more
sentences.




CAPITALIZE AFTER COLON: APA FORMAT

One of the tricky issues many writers deal with when it comes to colons is
whether or not to capitalize the word following the colon. As with so many
things in the English language, capitalization with colons can be complex, and
many times, it’s more of a style issue than one of correctness. According to APA
format, the first word after the colon is capitalized only if it begins a
complete sentence. Consider the examples below:



It’s been snowing for three days straight: the roads around here aren’t very
safe for driving.
It’s been snowing for three days straight: The roads around here aren’t very
safe for driving.




CAPITALIZE AFTER COLON: CHICAGO MANUAL OF STYLE

The Chicago Manual of Style has a slightly different perspective on whether to
capitalize after colons. In their view, the word following a colon should be
capitalized only if there are two explanatory sentences following the colon.
Look at the examples below:



Maggie wears a brimmed cap at all times: Strong light often gives her a
headache.
Maggie wears a brimmed cap at all times: strong light often gives her a
headache.
Maggie wears a brimmed cap at all times: Strong light often gives her a
headache. She also likes the way it looks.




NEVER CAPITALIZE AFTER A COLON WHEN INTRODUCING A LIST

Both style manuals agree on one thing, though. It is never ok to capitalize the
word after a colon when the word introduces a list. The following sentences
illustrate this rule:



Jan needed a few more items to complete her job application: A résumé, cover
letter, and references.
Jan needed a few more items to complete her job application: a résumé, cover
letter, and references.




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