Can you use a colon in sentences that introduce quotation?

You can use a colon to introduce a quotation if the quotation is a complete sentence.

Here's an example:

* The teacher said: "You must turn in your essays by Friday."

Here's why you shouldn't use a colon to introduce a quotation that is not a complete sentence:

* Incorrect: The teacher said: "Your essays by Friday."

* Correct: The teacher said, "Your essays are due by Friday."

Here's a breakdown of how to use colons and commas with quotations:

* Colon: Use a colon to introduce a complete sentence quotation.

* Comma: Use a comma to introduce a partial sentence quotation.

Example:

* Colon: She said: "I love the smell of rain."

* Comma: She said, "I love the smell of rain."

Important Note: Always capitalize the first letter of a complete sentence quotation, even if it's inside a larger sentence.