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In reference to the "appalling American convention of following a colon by a capital letter" (Letters, 6 March) and at the risk of perpetuating a rather tiresome argument, may I say that I have never heard of this convention, nor have I seen it applied.

Some 30 years ago, when I was a child in the Massachusetts public education system, we were taught correct grammar; most of us know the proper usage of the colon, as well as the semicolon. I know I am a dying breed, but let's not assume that one person's improper usage of grammar is proof of an entire country's practice.

On the subject of grammar, may I point out the equally irritating British convention of separating two perfectly complete sentences with a comma? This I do see often.

Liz Reyes, Cardiff University.