(APA 6th 4.05; CMS 15th, 6.63???6.64) Use a colon after an independent clause (i.e., a complete sentence) to introduce material that will illustrate or amplify the preceding thought: Such material may include words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, quotations, tables, figures, or similar items. (These sentences are an example of the correct use of a colon.) Do not use a colon after a phrase or clau