Point 8: Colon Usage

Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list of particulars, an appositive, an amplification, or an illustrative quotation.

In this point, which comes directly from Strunk and White, note especially the phrase "after an independent clause." Do not separate a verb from its object with a colon, as in "I would like: apples, cheese, and cheap wine." Instead, complete the clause: "I would like the following: fresh apples, French cheese, and your best wine." (In this case, you could produce a more elegant version by omitting the colon entirely: "I would like fresh apples, French cheese, and your best wine." But that wouldn't help us talk about colons, would it?) Although many writers break this rule, sticking to it will please finicky editors.