Colons

The following rule regarding colons occasionally appears on the SAT (please see the sublink under Literary Tools>Punctuation>Colons for additional rules):

To separate an explanation, rule, or example from a preceding independent clause.

Examples:

After a sleepless night, the senator made her decision: she would not seek re-election.

Music is more than a mechanical arrangement of sounds: it is an expression of deep feeling and ethical values.

A way to remember which direction to move the hands of the clock when changing to or from Daylight Savings Time: spring forward, fall back.

The supervisor's remark was straight to the point: I won't tolerate workers who show up late.

Religion and politics can be sensitive subjects: many people hold opinionated views and are easily offended by other peoples' remarks.

There is a vital issue every chef has to consider : Will the soufflé rise properly or dramatically collapse in front of the guests ?

I will always remember the first time my husband cooked for me : It was a charming Friday Evening with a romantic candle light dinner he prepared.

Life is a series of rude awakenings: It is what happens to you while you are making other plans.

Examples taken from various SAT's/PSAT's:

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