Using a colon between independent clauses
Use a colon between two independent clauses when the second clause explains or illustrates the first clause and there is no coordinating conjunction or transitional expression linking the two clauses.
The patient explains her obsession for collecting small dolls: they remind her of her children.
He has a major obstacle to overcome before his treatment can be continued: he needs to lower his cholesterol and lose weight.
The second clause may itself consist of more than one independent clause.
The EMR implementation project was jokingly projected to go through three stages: it won't work, it costs too much, and I always knew it was a good idea.
Â
Wiki