Page 492 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

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We do not use question marks after indirect questions (see 276).
1asked her what time it was. (NOT ••• what "me it was?) punctuation (2): colon
explanations
A colon (:) usually introduces an explanation or further details.
We decided not to go on holiday: we had too little money. There was a problem with the car: it was losing oil.
lists
A colon can introduce a list.
The main points are as follows: (1) ... , (2) ... , (3) ....
We need three kinds ofsupport: economic, moral and political.
subdivisions
A colon can introduce a subdivision of a subject in a title or heading. punctuation: colon
capitals
In British English, it is unusual for a capital letter to follow a colon (except at the beginning of a quotation). However, this can happen if a colon is followed by several complete sentences.
My main objections are as follows:
First ofall, no proper budget has been drawn up. Secondly, there is no guarantee that . ..
In American English, colons are more often followed by capital letters.
letters
Americans usually put a colon after the opening salutation (Dear . ..) in a business letter.
Dear Mr. Callan:
1am writing to ...
British usage prefers a comma or no punctuation mark at all in this case.
direct speech
Normally, direct speech is introduced by a comma in writing (see 476.9).
Stewart opened his eyes and said, 'Who's your beautiful friend?'
But a long passage of direct speech may be introduced by a colon.
Introducing his report for the year, the Chairman said: ~ number offactors have contributed to the firm's very gratifying results. First ofall. ...'
And a colon is used when direct speech is introduced by a name or short phrase (as in the text of a play, or when famous sayings are quoted).
POLONIUS: What do you read, my lord?
HAMLET: Words, words, words.
In the words ofMurphy's Law: ~nything that can go wrong will go wrong.'
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indirect questions
punctuation (2): colon 474
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