Colon Before a Direct Question After a Complete Introductory Sentence
The Question Mark
Rulebase Summary
When a complete sentence (or material that could reasonably be construed as one) leads into a direct question, use a colon after the introductory statement. If the question that follows is a grammatically complete sentence, capitalize it. Put a question mark at the end of the question.
Common patterns include 'Let me ask you this: Was he alone?' and 'I have one more question: Did you take him to the doctor right away?' This also applies to less formal constructions where the introductory material functions as a complete thought before the question.
Examples
Q. Let me ask you this, was he alone when you last saw him?
Q. Let me ask you this: Was he alone when you last saw him?
Complete introductory sentence takes a colon; capitalize the question.
Q. I have one more question, did you take him to the doctor right away?
Q. I have one more question: Did you take him to the doctor right away?
Colon after complete introductory thought; question mark at the end.
Transcript Notes
Attorneys often set up questions with preambles that are complete sentences. The colon signals the transition from the setup to the actual question. This differs from the 'My question is' pattern (where 'is' is a linking verb and takes no punctuation) because here the introductory material can stand alone as a sentence.
Style Guide References (2)
BGGP
BGGP