In using a colon to introduce a quotation, be
sure the clause before the colon is a
complete sentence (can stand alone). Which
sentence below uses a colon correctly?
A. Thomas Edison gave tribute to others when he said: "I start
where the last man left off."
B. Edison was known for his hard work: "Everything comes to
him who hustles while he waits."
C. Edison:"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is
dressed in overalls and looks like work."
Sentences A and C do not make sense because if you only those sentences up to the colon, you are left with a fragment. So, the answer is B, because "Edison was known for his hard work" makes sense on its own.
