Examples of colons?

1. I have three favorite colors: blue, green, and purple.
2. The recipe calls for the following ingredients: flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.
3. There are three main reasons why I love living in the city: the diverse culture, the vibrant nightlife, and the endless opportunities.
4. Please bring the following items to the meeting: pen, notebook, and laptop.
5. The professor made an important announcement: the final exam has been rescheduled.

1. To introduce a list:
- Fruits: apples, oranges, and bananas
- Items to bring: a swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses

2. To separate hours and minutes:
- The meeting starts at 9:30 AM.
- The movie runs for 2 hours:15 minutes.

3. To introduce a quotation:
- The wise sage said, "Knowledge is power."
- The author's words are as follows: "To be or not to be, that is the question."

4. To separate two independent clauses that are closely related:
- I love to read: it expands my knowledge.
- The rain was pouring: the streets were flooded.

5. To create a ratio or proportion:
- The speed limit is 60 mph: 90 km/h.
- The ratio of men to women in the class is 2:3.

6. To indicate a pause or break in a sentence:
- Well, let me think: I'm not sure what to say.
- The evidence is overwhelming: he is guilty.

7. To clarify or elaborate on a previous statement:
- There are two reasons for this: first, it's too expensive; second, it's not environmentally friendly.
- Our choice is simple: either accept the offer or lose the opportunity.