Colons

The **colon** is a [|punctuation] mark consisting of two equally sized dots centered on the same vertical line. A colon is used to explain or start an enumeration. A colon is also used with [|ratios], titles and [|subtitles] of books, city and publisher in [|biographies], hours and minutes, and [|formal letters].[|[][|1][|]] [])

Examples: The ratio of boys to girls in this class is 10:6 Evolution of the U.S. tornado database: 1954–2004.

A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles.
 * Emphasis** - She had one love: Western Michigan University.
 * Dialogue** - Reporter: What is the Western Edge? Dunn: It is a strategic plan for promoting student success.
 * Introduce lists, text or tabular materia**l - Our future is dependent on three things: sustainability, diversity, and enhancing our strength and health.
 * Clarify the titles of books, lectures and other compositions** - He wrote "Crisis Management by Apology: Corporate Response to Allegations of Wrongdoing."