Guest Posted 23 years ago
Grammar
Correct use of the colon
Hello everyone,
I have a question about the correct use of a colon.
I am writing an article for someone, and my client insists that I use a colon instead of a comma in the following sentences:
A few days after the funeral Marilyn called and asked if she could visit, and when she arrived she had a dozen yellow roses with a card that read: "Love is eternal. Love, Mom".
During the reading Marilyn said: "James, please don't be angry, but I am being forced to mention that you must prepare for your Mother's death."
I would appreciate it if someone could tell me if I should use a colon or a comma!
Thank you
I have a question about the correct use of a colon.
I am writing an article for someone, and my client insists that I use a colon instead of a comma in the following sentences:
A few days after the funeral Marilyn called and asked if she could visit, and when she arrived she had a dozen yellow roses with a card that read: "Love is eternal. Love, Mom".
During the reading Marilyn said: "James, please don't be angry, but I am being forced to mention that you must prepare for your Mother's death."
I would appreciate it if someone could tell me if I should use a colon or a comma!
Thank you
Top answer
You should not use colons here because the clauses coming before the colons are incomplete. As far as I know, the verb coming before a colon must have a direct object. Commas are correct in both your sentences.
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You should not use colons here because the clauses coming before the colons are incomplete. As far as I know, the verb coming before a colon must have a direct object.
Commas are correct in both your sentences.
Commas are correct in both your sentences.
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