The Colon/Capitalization Question

As you might suspect, I’m addressing the colon/capitalization question because I often wonder if I’m doing it right. Since I write for a living, you’d think I’d have it figured out. But my confusion is justified – because the answer to the question, “Do you capitalize a word after a colon?” is…sometimes.

The problem is that the style guides that dictate the writing rules of the road don’t agree on when to capitalize. And the average person has no clue these guides even exist. Is it any surprise we’re not sure whether to capitalize – or not?

If you feel the urge to scroll past this post now, I won’t be offended. But if you care (or dare) to keep reading, here are the rules in a nutshell:

Never capitalize a word after a colon when:

• The colon is introducing a list. Example: She plays three sports: soccer, volleyball, and basketball.
• The first word after the colon introduces a fragment or phrase that’s not a complete sentence. Example: There is one sport she has never played: hockey.

Always capitalize the word after a colon when:

• The word is a proper noun.
• It’s used in a headline.
• The colon is followed by a complete sentence. Example: She shared her secret to staying in shape: She works out every day.
• The exception: According to the Chicago style guide, you only capitalize the first word if the colon introduces multiple sentences that explain what came before it – something you almost never see happen.

BONUS TIP: Don’t use more than one colon in the same sentence!