[Grammar] A said to B, "..." or A said to B: "...."

[Oceanlike]

In direct speeches, oftentimes I don’t know if I can use either of (1) and (2) below. Is there any difference between using a comma and a colon?

1) A said to B, (comma) “………………………….”

And

2) A said to B: (colon) “…………………………….”

Thank you!

 

[Rover_KE]

I would use a comma.

 

[Oceanlike]

Are they both correct? I see both used in newspapers, magazines etc. I'm wondering if it's just a matter of preference.

 

[MikeNewYork]

The comma would be more common. The colon is not wrong.

 

[Matthew Wai]

direct speeches

Having read the page below, I think 'direct speech' is uncountable.

http://ldoceonline.com/dictionary/direct-speech#p008-000779893

 

[MikeNewYork]

I agree, Matthew.