Choose the sentence with the correct colon usage: 

1. I need: milk, eggs, and bread
2. I need the following: milk, eggs, and bread
3. I need the following items, milk, eggs, and bread
4. I need; milk, eggs, and bread

 Colons follow independent clauses introducing lists (APA Style 4.05). Option a incorrectly places a colon after a verb. Option c uses a comma splice. Option d misuses a semicolon. Colons can also introduce explanations (e.g., “She had one goal: to win”).