Re: `:' vs `.' in doc files

[Anthony W. Youngman]

In message <address@hidden>, Werner LEMBERG 
<address@hidden> writes
> > > you've changed a lot of `.' at the end of paragraphs into `:' if
> > > the text is followed by an example.  I think this is wrong.  IIRC,
> > > it is better style in English to close with a full stop.
> >
> > Sorry, I don't know good English style, I'd better changed nothing.
>
> Similar to you I'm no expert in English style, but I remember that
> I've done the same as you (this is, replacing full stops with colons)
> and others told me that it's better to not do this.
Probably depends on whether it's American or English style, and modern 
or archaic ...

Personally, I feel that a full stop is exactly that - it brings things 
to a full stop. If I'm referring forwards to a following example I'd use 
a colon, eg "Please see the following example: ...". However, I'd 
suspect that usage is considered archaic.

Unless you've been taught English grammar, you are unlikely to 
understand the usage of : and ;, and most kids nowadays are not taught 
grammar :-(

Cheers,
Wol
--
Anthony W. Youngman - address@hidden