When is a colon appropriately used?

• A. To end a sentence with emphasis.
• B. To indicate possession.
• C. To introduce a list, example, or explanation after an independent clause.
• D. To connect two independent clauses with a semicolon.

Answer: (C)

A colon is used to introduce something that explains, illustrates, or lists what came before, and it must follow a complete sentence. The idea is that the first independent clause sets up a point, and what follows directly relates to it. For example, you can present a list after an independent clause: She packed three items: a notebook, a pen, and a map. You can also use a colon to introduce an explanation: He had one goal: finish the project before noon. In both cases, the material after the colon directly expands on or clarifies the part that came before.

The other uses described don’t fit colon rules. Ending a sentence with emphasis is typically done with a dash or exclamation mark. Possession is shown with an apostrophe-s. And connecting two independent clauses is done with a semicolon (or a period or a conjunction), not a colon.