Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Today's English lesson


From EnglishPlus:


Colons Before
Quotations




Colons introduce quotations that are formal or lengthy.

Correct: Dickens wrote: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." (Formal quotation)

Colons introduce quotations that do not begin with a "he said/she said" clause.

Correct: Alexandra took the microphone: "Your honor, I object." (Clause preceding quotation does not have a verb which denotes speaking.)

In all cases, the colon precedes the quotation marks.

No comments: