Colon placement

Question

In writing the translations frequently there is a colon at the end of the sentence. Sometimes immediately after the sentence, other times the colon is placed after a space! Why?                                        AM I GOING TO GET AN ANSWER?

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Kenneth,
Take a look at the link below, Maarten's answer there should help you (as well as the links given):
space before certain punctuation marks
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Céline Pickard · Answer

Bonjour Kenneth,
I am sorry my previous answer did not answer your question. I checked this specific exercise and I found 2 inconsistencies regarding the punctuation (one in French with a missing space and one in English where a space should not have been there). Unfortunately, when creating a writing or dictation exercise, it does happen that something can slip through even during our review process before publishing. We usually amend this retroactively when we notice it ourselves or when one of our wonderful KwizIQ users notifies us.
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Jim Jones · Answer

Bonjour KennethFrom a Word Reference post some years ago  --  "The French punctuation requires a space before double signed punctuations marks such as:this one :this one ;this one ?this one !and this one % "Does this help?Bonne journéeJim

Kenneth Wheatley · Answer

Thank you Jim. I'm afraid I'm still non the wiser! You say the French punctuation etc. etc. and give an example i.e this one :  This colon is with a space after 'this one : ' At the end of your sentence explaining French punctuation you give a colon without a space!!  That's why I'm confused! Perhaps you could explain why the difference  a little more detailed. Thank you again for your trouble.  Regards, Ken

Kenneth Wheatley · Answer

I Did look at MAARTEN's post. I'm afraid it doesn't answer my question! I have arrived at the conclusion that it is a defect on the Quiz program itself. Sometimes there is a space after a sentence, then a colon. Other times , at the end of a sentence, there isn't a space but immediately a colon. There is no reason, other than the KwizIQ is just not being consistent in the placing of the colon. There is no other explanation

Maarten Kamp · Answer

Kenneth,

it would help if you copy and post in full the exact examples you are questioning.

I have had a look at the exercise answer by answer, and at the final full transcription. I cannot see any errors in the placement of colons. Reading Celine’s latest comment, maybe the issues have already been fixed.

In the English phrases, there is no space between the word and the following colon, as is standard, at least in some parts of the English speaking world.

In the French phrases, there is the required space between the word and the following colon, as in standard French usage.

For this exercise, it also needs to be remembered that this is based on what would be a menu style presentation so the formatting into sub-sections would look quite different.

I reiterate my view, as per the response Céline cited, that these exercises are not the best way to learn punctuation, partly because ‘ typos ‘ are easily made with these. They do however provide some guidance.

Kenneth Wheatley · Answer

CELINE quiz teacher. Thank you for a definitive answer. There were ( are, inconsistencies!) As for MAARTEN may I refer you to CELINE the quiz teacher. I would also refer you to my original question which wasn't about 'errors' I asked why the colon was placed differently at the end of sentences. Now I know! There shouldn't have been 'inconsistencies'. It shouldn't have happened but it does!!!