The colon's uses are often misconstrued and its confusion with the semicolon has often caused writers some trouble and puzzlement. To make using colons much clearer, simply follow these five essential rules.

Rule One

Use the colon after a complete sentence when introducing a list when words such as however, for example, or that is, are not used:

You need a few pieces of equipment to collect stamps: a stamp book, glue, tweezers and used stamps.

Rule Two

The colon should never precede a list unless it comes after a complete sentence. Bear in mind, however, that some publications use the colon in this respect as a style choice. Both examples are shown:

If you want to buy stamps for your collection, you should 1) save up some money, 2) visit stamp conferences, and 3) subscribe to relevant magazines.

If you want to buy stamps for your collection you can:

1) Save up some money.

2) Visit stamp conferences.

3) Subscribe to relevant magazines.

Rule Three

Capitalization can be optional when using single words or phrases after a colon. If the following sentence is a statement, use a capital as if you were dealing with a quotation:

Let me state this: Stamp collecting is the best hobby in the world.

In most cases, the words following the colon do not start with a capital:

Where stamps are concerned, I prefer one kind: colourful ones.

Rule Four

You need to use a colon instead of a semi-colon between two sentences when the second sentence illustrates or clarifies the first and there is no co-ordinating conjunction in use (and, but). If only one sentence follows the colon, you don't need to capitalize the first word of the new sentence. However, if two or more sentences follow, use capitalization:

You need to use strong glue for your stamp books: It stops the stamps falling out. It also preserves the quality of the stamps.

I enjoy collecting stamps: ones from America are my favourite.

Rule Five

The colon needs to be used when introducing a direct quote which is more than three lines long. Note that quotation marks are not used. Here's an example:

The author of The Secret Stamp Collector, John Smith, wrote in the epilogue: Stamp collecting joins together people from all over the world. It has the power to unite minds as well as a love for stamps. Collectors everywhere should be proud of their choice of hobby. They should also forever cherish their collections.

KJ Hutchings is the founder of KJ Language Services, offering editing, writing and proofreading services and advice on how you can make your English language documents the very best they can be. For more information, visit http://www.kjlanguageservices.com/.