You can use a colon to draw attention to many things in your writing. The categories listed below often overlap, so don’t worry too much about whether your intended use of the colon fits one category perfectly.

Gadget Review on MSN: The only 7 gadgets you actually need for the perfect espresso (stop wasting your money)

The only 7 gadgets you actually need for the perfect espresso (stop wasting your money)

: a use of one's property or of water that is for a suitable and beneficial purpose and that does not lead to unreasonable interference with another's use of property or with the natural flow of water

Explore the definition of the word "use," as well as its versatile usage, synonyms, examples, etymology, and more.

USE definition: 1. to put something such as a tool, skill, or building to a particular purpose: 2. to reduce the…. Learn more.

As a noun use means "purpose." As a verb, use means either "put to work," or "work something until there isn't anything left," unless you use your friend, meaning you exploit her.

Learn how and when to use semicolons (;), colons (:), commas (,), and dashes (–) to make your writing more effective.

When to Use a Semicolon vs Colon, Comma, and Em Dash (; : , —)

syn: use, utilize mean to put something into action or service. use is a general word referring to the application of something to a given purpose: to use a telephone. use may also imply that the thing is consumed or diminished in the process: I used all the butter.