The colon (:) marks a bigger pause than that is expressed by the semicolon. It is sometimes used with a dash after it.
Direct speech A colon is used when famous sayings are quoted.
A colon is also used when direct speech is introduced by a name. Polonius: What do you read, my lord? In other cases, direct speech is usually introduced by a comma.
Lists A colon can introduce a list.
In a title or heading, a colon is often used to introduce a subdivision of a subject.
Capital letters In British English, we do not normally use a capital letter after a colon. In American English, colons are more often followed by capital letters.
Letters In letters Americans usually put a colon after the opening salutation. Dear Mr. Mathews: British people prefer a comma in this case. Sometimes they do not use any punctuation mark at all. Dear Mr Mathews, |
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