Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce the list? The town council decreased funding for parks and recreation, constr
uction, and staff development. The town council decreased funding for three departments: parks and recreation, construction, and staff development. The town council decreased funding for: parks and recreation, construction, and staff development. The three departments that the town council decreased funding for were: parks and recreation, construction, and staff development. The town council decreased: funding for parks and recreation, construction, and staff development.
The correct option is the second: The town council decreased funding for three departments: parks and recreation, construction, and staff development.
A colon may be used between independent clauses when the second sentence explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence. The colon is used to introduce a list of items. A colon is also useful before a quotation, and sometimes before direct speech.
In this case, after a colon a list with three items appears.
