No Colon When Another Sentence Intervenes Before the List
The Colon
Rulebase Summary
Do not use a colon when a list is introduced but another sentence or idea comes between the introduction and the list itself. Instead, end the introduction with a period, then present the list. Exception: if the intervening material and the list can be restructured into a single flowing sentence, a colon may work — the reporter must judge what produces the clearest result without adding or removing words.
Examples
A. There were several problems with the property: I should mention the inspector flagged them. The roof was leaking, the foundation was cracked, and the wiring was outdated.
A. There were several problems with the property. I should mention the inspector flagged them. The roof was leaking, the foundation was cracked, and the wiring was outdated.
No colon when another sentence comes between intro and list.
I want to cover three topics. First, let me say this: the contract, the amendment, and the addendum.
I want to cover three topics. First, let me say this. The contract, the amendment, and the addendum.
Intervening sentence breaks the colon connection.
Style Guide References (1)
Morson's