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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
  

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.

— Ryan smith

  • 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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1 Answers
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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.
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