The colon is the strongest of the three marks (comma, semicolon, colon) indicating a deliberate pause or break in thought. It separates two main clauses in which the second clause explains (or amplifies) the first.
To introduce a list or enumeration not immediately preceded by a verb or a preposition. The enumeration may be preceded by italic numerals and a single roman paren: 1), 2), 3), etc. It is not necessary to add numbers if the author has not used them. Also, it is common for the words "as follows" or "the following" to be used in the clause before the colon.
Neurons with RFs were classified on the basis of their responses to mechanical stimulation of the skin: class 1, respond only to low-intensity stimuli; class 2, respond to both low- and high-intensity stimuli; and class 3, respond only to high-intensity stimuli.
The vertebral column was rapidly removed and placed in chilled ACSF containing the following (in mM): 125 NaCl, 5 KCl, 2.5 CaCl2, 1.5 MgSO4, 1.25 NAH2PO4, 24 HCO3, and 10 glucose, pH 7.35.
To separate a complete clause from a following illustrative word, phrase, or clause.
At present, there are two opposite views on the way that the climbing fiber input modulates the SS activity: depression or enhancement.
To express a numerical ratio of components.
phenol-choloroform-alcohol (24:24:1)
methanol-water (1:1 vol/vol)
When needed, place the colon outside closing quotation marks or superior footnote number.
Between a verb and a compound direct object or between a preposition and a compound object.
We recorded eight pause-facilitation-, two pure pause-, and one pause-reduction-type cells.
If a long explanation follows (numbered or unnumbered), a period is acceptable instead of a colon.
This study proceeded in two phases. 1) Rabbits were sorted according to weight, then housed in separate cages. Food was provided (with water) ad libitum for 20 days, then the rabbits were killed. 2) Kidneys were excised and prepared for analysis.
last edited 07/23/03