J2: Common misuses of a colon

J2: Common misuses of a colon:  Avoid common misuses of colons with phrases like between a verb and its object or complement, or after “such as” and “including” where a comma should instead come before these phrases.  See the following: http://www.kentlaw.edu/academics/lrw/grinker/LwtaColons.htm

Between a verb and its object or complement.

Some important vitamins and minerals found in vegetables are: vitamin A, niacin, thiamine, and iron. (Incorrect)

Some important vitamins and minerals found in vegetables are vitamin A, niacin, thiamine, and iron.  (Correct)

– no punctuation should ever go between verb and object)

After “such as,” “including,” or “for example.”

The trees on our campus include many fine Japanese specimens such as: black pines, gingkos and weeping cherries. (Incorrect)

The trees on our campus include many fine Japanese specimens such as black pines, gingkos and weeping cherries. (Correct)