Do You Capitalize After a Colon

TL;DR - Quick Answer

Whether you capitalize after a colon depends on what follows it and which style guide you're using. In American English (AP Style), capitalize after a colon when it introduces a complete sentence. In British English and academic writing (Chicago Style), only capitalize if what follows is a proper noun or the first of two or more complete sentences. For lists, bulleted items, and phrases, generally keep it lowercase unless the style guide specifically requires capitalization.

The key rule to remember: if the text after the colon could stand alone as a complete sentence, many style guides recommend capitalizing. If it's a fragment, list, or explanation, lowercase is typically preferred. However, consistency within your document matters more than any single rule—pick a style and stick with it throughout your professional writing.

Key Takeaways

• AP Style: Always capitalize after a colon when a complete sentence follows

• Chicago Style: Only capitalize for proper nouns or when two or more complete sentences follow

• Lists and bullet points: Generally lowercase unless items are complete sentences

• Business writing: Follow your company's style guide or maintain consistency throughout

• Cover letters and resumes: Use the dominant style in your industry and ensure consistency

Introduction: The Colon Capitalization Conundrum

You're polishing your cover letter or crafting an important email when you hit a colon. Then comes the question that has plagued writers for decades: do you capitalize the word that follows? According to a 2023 Grammarly study, colon capitalization errors account for approximately 8% of all punctuation mistakes in professional documents. That might seem small, but in a competitive job market where hiring managers spend an average of just 7.4 seconds scanning each resume, every detail counts.

The confusion around colon capitalization isn't your fault. Unlike many grammar rules that have clear-cut answers, this one genuinely varies depending on your style guide, the type of content that follows, and even your geographical location. British and American conventions differ significantly, academic and journalistic standards contradict each other, and digital communication has introduced entirely new considerations.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn the definitive rules for capitalizing after a colon across every major style guide, see dozens of real-world examples, and discover expert tips for maintaining consistency in your professional correspondence. Whether you're writing a cover letter, academic paper, business proposal, or social media post, you'll walk away knowing exactly when to capitalize—and when to keep it lowercase.

Understanding the Colon: When and Why We Use It

Before diving into capitalization rules, it's essential to understand the colon's purpose. A colon is a punctuation mark that signals the reader to pay attention: something important, explanatory, or exemplifying is about to follow. Unlike a semicolon (which connects related independent clauses) or a comma (which creates a brief pause), a colon announces and emphasizes what comes next.

Primary Uses of the Colon

The colon serves several distinct functions in writing, each with its own capitalization considerations:

1. Introducing a list: "The position requires three key skills: communication, leadership, and technical expertise."

2. Introducing an explanation: "She knew the answer: hard work always pays off."

3. Introducing a quotation: "The CEO's message was clear: 'Innovation drives our success.'"

4. Emphasizing a clause: "There was only one solution: start over from scratch."

5. Time and ratios: "The meeting is at 3:30 PM" or "The ratio was 2:1"

Understanding which function your colon serves helps determine the appropriate capitalization. When you're writing a cover letter, you'll most commonly use colons to introduce qualifications, explain achievements, or set up powerful statements about your candidacy.

AP Style: The Journalistic Standard

The Associated Press Stylebook, used by journalists, public relations professionals, and many businesses, takes the most liberal approach to capitalizing after colons. According to AP Style, you should capitalize the first word after a colon if what follows is a complete sentence. This rule applies regardless of whether one sentence or multiple sentences follow the colon.

AP Style Capitalization Examples

Here are examples showing AP Style in action:

• Capitalize: "The hiring manager made one thing clear: This candidate exceeded all expectations." (Complete sentence follows)

• Capitalize: "My philosophy is simple: Work hard, stay humble, and never stop learning." (Complete sentence follows)

• Lowercase: "The job requires several skills: writing, editing, and project management." (List follows)

• Lowercase: "There's one word that describes my approach: dedication." (Single word or phrase follows)

AP Style is particularly relevant for those writing email subject lines for job applications, press releases, or any content intended for media distribution. Many corporate communications departments also default to AP Style for consistency.

"The AP Style rule for colon capitalization is straightforward precisely because journalists need quick, unambiguous guidelines. When a complete thought follows a colon, capitalizing it gives that thought the prominence it deserves."

— Paula LaRocque, Writing Coach and Former Assistant Managing Editor, The Dallas Morning News

Chicago Manual of Style: The Academic and Publishing Standard

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), preferred in book publishing, academic writing, and many literary contexts, takes a more conservative approach. According to CMOS 17th edition, capitalize after a colon only when what follows is a proper noun, two or more complete sentences, or a direct question. This creates a subtle but important distinction from AP Style.

Chicago Style Capitalization Examples

• Capitalize: "The company announced its new direction: Innovation would drive every decision. Employees were expected to embrace change." (Two complete sentences)

• Capitalize: "The question remained: How would the team adapt to remote work?" (Direct question)

• Capitalize: "The report focused on one country: Germany." (Proper noun)

• Lowercase: "The candidate demonstrated one essential quality: perseverance." (Single sentence)

• Lowercase: "My cover letter highlighted three achievements: increasing sales, reducing costs, and improving efficiency." (List)

Chicago Style is particularly important for academic job seekers, those in publishing, and anyone writing formal letters for academic institutions. Many universities explicitly require Chicago Style in their application materials.

AP Style vs. Chicago Style: Quick Comparison

APA and MLA Style: Academic Writing Standards

Academic writers often follow either APA (American Psychological Association) or MLA (Modern Language Association) style, each with its own colon capitalization rules.

APA Style (7th Edition)

APA Style, commonly used in social sciences, psychology, and education, follows a rule similar to AP Style: capitalize the first word after a colon if what follows is a complete sentence. This applies to both in-text citations and general prose.

• Capitalize: "The study revealed a significant finding: Participants who practiced daily showed 40% improvement."

• Lowercase: "The research focused on three variables: age, education level, and income."

MLA Style (9th Edition)

MLA Style, used primarily in humanities and liberal arts, generally advises not capitalizing after a colon unless the first word is a proper noun. However, MLA allows flexibility when emphasizing independent clauses.

• Typically lowercase: "The author's message was clear: love conquers all."

• Capitalize for proper nouns: "One poet exemplified the movement: Shakespeare."

• Optional for emphasis: "The thesis is straightforward: Literature reflects society's values."

If you're preparing academic cover letters or application materials, check whether your target institution specifies a preferred style. This attention to detail demonstrates professionalism, similar to ensuring proper cover letter formatting.

British vs. American English: Transatlantic Differences

Colon capitalization represents one of the notable differences between British and American English conventions. Understanding these differences is crucial when applying for international positions or writing for global audiences.

American English Conventions

In American English, the trend leans toward capitalizing after a colon when a complete sentence follows (following AP Style). This practice emphasizes the importance of the statement following the colon and treats it as a new, independent thought worthy of capitalization.

British English Conventions

British English generally follows a more conservative approach, similar to Chicago Style. British writers typically do not capitalize after a colon unless what follows is a proper noun. This applies regardless of whether a complete sentence follows.

• American: "The CEO stated the company's mission: We will become the industry leader by 2025."

• British: "The CEO stated the company's mission: we will become the industry leader by 2025."

When writing cover letters for UK-based companies, align your style with British conventions. Similarly, those familiar with how to start a cover letter UK style should also follow British colon capitalization rules.

Capitalizing After Colons in Lists and Bullet Points

Lists present unique capitalization challenges, especially in professional documents like resumes and cover letters. The rules vary based on list format and whether items are complete sentences.

Inline Lists

For lists that run within a sentence (inline lists), the standard practice across all major style guides is to use lowercase after the colon:

• Correct: "The role requires three skills: project management, communication, and technical expertise."

• Incorrect: "The role requires three skills: Project management, Communication, and Technical expertise."

Vertical Lists (Bullet Points)

Vertical lists—commonly used in cover letters and resumes—follow different rules:

• Complete sentences: Capitalize the first word and end with a period

• Sentence fragments: Start lowercase (or uppercase) consistently, typically no end punctuation

• Single words or short phrases: Lowercase typically, no end punctuation

Here's an example of a properly formatted vertical list for a cover letter:

My qualifications include:

• Five years of project management experience

• PMP certification

• Proven track record of delivering projects under budget

This formatting approach aligns with what to include in a cover letter best practices, ensuring clarity and visual consistency.

Common Capitalization Scenarios in Professional Writing

Let's examine specific scenarios you're likely to encounter in cover letters, emails, and other professional documents.

Scenario 1: Introducing Qualifications

When highlighting qualifications after a colon, follow these guidelines:

• List format (lowercase): "I bring three key strengths: analytical thinking, team leadership, and strategic planning."

• Complete sentence (capitalize per AP): "I offer exactly what your team needs: I have led cross-functional teams to deliver 15 successful product launches."

Scenario 2: Email Greetings and Sign-offs

Colons frequently appear after email greetings. The word following the greeting colon should always be capitalized because it begins a new sentence:

• Correct: "Dear Ms. Johnson: Thank you for considering my application."

• Also correct: "Dear Ms. Johnson: I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position."

For more guidance on email formatting, see our comprehensive guide on how to start an email.

Scenario 3: Subject Lines

Email subject lines and document titles often use colons to separate categories from specifics. Both approaches are acceptable:

• Capitalize both: "Application: Marketing Manager Position"

• Lowercase after colon: "Application: marketing manager position"

• Title case throughout: "Application: Marketing Manager Position" (most common in professional contexts)

Consistency within your communications matters most. Learn more about effective email subject lines for job applications.

Scenario 4: Introducing Quotations

When a colon introduces a quotation, the capitalization depends on the original quote:

• If the quote is a complete sentence: "The manager's feedback was direct: 'Your presentation exceeded all expectations.'" (Capitalize the quote)

• If the quote is a fragment integrated into your sentence: "The review described the candidate as: 'exceptionally qualified and highly motivated.'" (Some style guides prefer lowercase here)

Special Cases and Exceptions

Certain situations require special attention when deciding on capitalization after a colon.

Time, Ratios, and Technical Notation

Colons used in time expressions, ratios, or technical contexts don't follow standard capitalization rules because they're not introducing textual content:

• "The meeting is scheduled for 2:30 PM."

• "The aspect ratio is 16:9."

• "Biblical reference: Genesis 1:1."

Subtitles and Titles

In titles and subtitles, capitalize the first word after a colon regardless of style guide:

• Book title: "Cover Letters That Work: A Complete Guide to Landing Your Dream Job"

• Article title: "Resume Writing: Essential Tips for New Graduates"

• Email subject: "Meeting Update: New Time Confirmed"

This convention helps with readability and maintains title formatting consistency. Similar principles apply when titling a cover letter.

Salutations in Letters

When using a colon after a formal salutation (common in American business letters), always capitalize the first word of the following paragraph:

Dear Hiring Manager:

Thank you for considering my application for the Senior Developer position.

For alternatives to formal salutations, explore our guide on Dear Sir or Madam alternatives.

Colon Capitalization in Digital Communication

Digital communication—including emails, social media, and messaging platforms—has introduced new considerations for colon usage and capitalization.

Email Best Practices

In professional emails, follow these guidelines:

• Use colons sparingly; they create a formal tone

• For lists, bullet points often work better than inline colons

• Follow your organization's style guide when available

• When in doubt, capitalize after colons introducing complete sentences

For comprehensive email guidance, review our articles on how to write an email and how to end an email professionally.

Social Media and Casual Contexts

Social media platforms and casual digital communication tend toward lowercase after colons, reflecting a more conversational tone:

• "Excited to share: we just launched our new product!"

• "Pro tip: always proofread before hitting send."

However, professional LinkedIn posts and business social media should generally follow the same rules you'd use in formal writing.

Colon Usage in Cover Letters and Resumes

Job application materials deserve special attention because they directly impact your professional image. Here's how to handle colons effectively in these crucial documents.

Cover Letter Best Practices

In cover letters, colons are most effective for:

1. Introducing key qualifications: "My background includes three relevant areas: financial analysis, risk management, and regulatory compliance."

2. Highlighting achievements: "My track record speaks for itself: I increased department efficiency by 40% within six months."

3. Setting up powerful statements: "There's one thing that sets me apart: my unwavering commitment to client success."

The second example would be capitalized under AP Style (complete sentence) but lowercase under Chicago Style. Choose based on your industry norms—journalism and PR typically use AP Style, while publishing and academia prefer Chicago. For step-by-step cover letter guidance, see how to structure a cover letter.

Resume Formatting

Resumes frequently use colons to separate categories from content. Standard practice:

• Section headers: "Experience:" or "Education:" followed by entries (capitalize entries as new lines)

• Skill lists: "Technical Skills: Python, SQL, Tableau, R" (capitalize proper nouns only)

• Contact information: "Email: candidate@email.com" (lowercase the email)

• Achievement statements: Follow bullet point capitalization conventions

Maintaining consistent capitalization throughout your resume demonstrates attention to detail—a quality hiring managers value highly. See also our guide on good sentence starters for cover letters.

"In my 20 years of reviewing applications, I've never rejected a candidate solely for colon capitalization. However, inconsistent formatting throughout a document does raise concerns about attention to detail. Pick a style, apply it consistently, and you'll be fine."

— Jennifer Martinez, HR Director and Career Coach, Fortune 500 Companies

Industry-Specific Capitalization Standards

Different industries have varying preferences for colon capitalization. Understanding these norms helps you tailor your application materials appropriately.

Journalism and Media

AP Style dominates journalism, public relations, and media. Capitalize after colons when complete sentences follow. This style appears in press releases, news articles, and media kit materials.

Academic and Research

Chicago Style (or APA for social sciences) is standard. Conservative lowercase after colons is the norm unless multiple sentences or proper nouns follow. Academic cover letters for teaching jobs should align with these conventions.

Legal and Financial

Legal and financial documents often follow house style guides that may differ from standard references. When applying to law firms or financial institutions, review their published materials for cues. Generally, these industries favor formal, conservative capitalization (Chicago-like).

Technology and Startups

Tech companies vary widely. Larger corporations often follow AP Style for external communications, while startups may have more casual approaches. When in doubt, mirror the company's website and job posting style. For tech roles, see our software engineer cover letter examples.

Healthcare

Medical and healthcare writing often follows AMA (American Medical Association) style, which generally lowercase after colons unless a proper noun or complete sentence follows. Nursing and medical applications should reflect this formal approach—see our nursing cover letter examples.

The Golden Rule: Consistency Above All

If there's one takeaway from this guide, it's this: consistency matters more than which specific style you choose. A document that consistently uses Chicago Style lowercase is more professional than one that randomly alternates between AP and Chicago conventions.

Creating Your Personal Style Guide

For professional documents, consider creating a mini style guide that includes:

1. Your baseline style: AP, Chicago, or company-specific

2. Colon capitalization rule: State explicitly when you'll capitalize

3. List formatting: Bullet point and inline list conventions

4. Other punctuation preferences: Oxford comma usage, quotation mark style, etc.

This approach ensures consistency across all your application materials, from your cover letter opening lines to your professional closing statements.

Proofreading for Consistency

After writing, search your document for colons and verify:

• Each colon follows your chosen style

• Similar constructions use the same capitalization

• Lists maintain parallel structure

• No accidental style switches occur mid-document

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you capitalize after a colon in a sentence?

It depends on your style guide and what follows the colon. AP Style capitalizes after a colon when a complete sentence follows. Chicago Style only capitalizes for proper nouns or when two or more complete sentences follow. For lists or single words, keep it lowercase in either style. Choose one approach and apply it consistently throughout your document.

Should I capitalize after a colon in a cover letter?

For cover letters, follow the style most common in your industry. Business and media typically use AP Style (capitalize complete sentences after colons), while academic and publishing prefer Chicago (generally lowercase). Most importantly, maintain consistency throughout your cover letter. If you're unsure, capitalizing after colons that introduce complete sentences is widely accepted.

Do you capitalize the first word after a colon in a title?

Yes, always capitalize the first word after a colon in titles and subtitles, regardless of which style guide you follow. This is a universal convention: "The Complete Guide: Everything You Need to Know" is correct. The same applies to article headlines, book titles, and email subject lines used as titles.

Is it correct to capitalize after a colon in bullet points?

For bullet points, capitalize if each item is a complete sentence; use lowercase if items are fragments or single words. The key is consistency—all bullets in a list should follow the same pattern. If bullets follow an introductory phrase ending with a colon, they typically start lowercase unless they're complete sentences with periods.

What do British style guides say about capitalizing after colons?

British English generally follows more conservative capitalization rules, similar to Chicago Style. British writers typically do not capitalize after a colon unless what follows is a proper noun. This applies even when a complete sentence follows the colon, which differs from American AP Style conventions.

Do you capitalize after a colon in APA format?

Yes, APA Style (7th edition) requires capitalizing the first word after a colon when what follows is a complete sentence. For example: "The results were clear: Participants showed significant improvement." For fragments or lists, use lowercase: "The study measured three variables: age, income, and education."

Should salutations use a colon or comma, and how does this affect capitalization?

Formal business letters typically use a colon after the salutation ("Dear Mr. Smith:"), while informal letters use a comma ("Dear John,"). After either punctuation mark, the following paragraph begins with a capital letter because it starts a new sentence. The choice of colon or comma is about formality, not capitalization.

How do I handle colons in email subject lines?

Email subject lines often use colons to separate topics: "Meeting Update: Rescheduled to Tuesday." Most professional contexts use title case, capitalizing both before and after the colon. However, sentence case ("Meeting update: Rescheduled to Tuesday") is also acceptable. Be consistent across your email communications.

What about capitalizing after colons in academic writing?

Academic writing typically follows either Chicago Style (humanities) or APA Style (sciences). Chicago generally uses lowercase after colons unless followed by a proper noun or multiple sentences. APA capitalizes when a complete sentence follows. Check your institution's required style guide and follow it precisely in all academic documents.

Do I capitalize after a colon when writing lists in my resume?

For resume lists, standard practice is lowercase after the colon for inline lists ("Skills: Python, Java, SQL") and capitalization for separate bullet points that form complete entries. Proper nouns (languages, software names, certifications) are always capitalized. Maintain consistent formatting throughout your resume.

Is there ever a time when you always capitalize after a colon?

Yes, always capitalize after a colon in these situations: (1) titles and subtitles, (2) after formal salutations in business letters, (3) when introducing a direct quotation that is itself a complete sentence, and (4) when a proper noun immediately follows the colon. These rules are consistent across all major style guides.

How do AI writing tools handle colon capitalization?

Most AI writing tools default to AP Style, capitalizing after colons when complete sentences follow. However, you should always review AI-generated content for consistency with your preferred style. Our AI cover letter generator maintains professional formatting standards while allowing you to customize the final output to match your preferences.

Conclusion: Master Colon Capitalization for Professional Success

Understanding when to capitalize after a colon empowers you to write with confidence and precision. While the rules may seem complex at first—varying by style guide, document type, and even geography—the fundamental principles are straightforward:

• Know your audience: Academic settings typically prefer Chicago Style (conservative), while business and media lean toward AP Style (capitalize complete sentences)

• Be consistent: Whatever style you choose, apply it uniformly throughout your document

• Consider context: Titles always capitalize; lists and fragments typically don't

• When in doubt, capitalize complete sentences: This approach is widely accepted across professional contexts

For job seekers, proper punctuation and capitalization demonstrate the attention to detail that employers value. A well-formatted cover letter that maintains consistent style signals professionalism before you even get to the interview.

Ready to create a professionally formatted cover letter without the punctuation stress? Our AI cover letter generator handles formatting automatically, ensuring your application materials look polished and professional every time. Simply upload your resume and job description, and let our AI create a perfectly formatted cover letter tailored to your target role.

Remember: in professional writing, it's not just what you say—it's how precisely you say it. Master colon capitalization, and you've mastered one more tool in your professional communication arsenal.