Here's why:
* Colons introduce lists: A colon is used to introduce a list of items or examples.
* "Include" doesn't always introduce a list: The word "include" can be used in various contexts, not just to introduce lists.
Examples:
* Incorrect: "The package includes: a book, a pen, and a notebook."
* Correct: "The package includes a book, a pen, and a notebook."
* Incorrect: "The menu includes: pizza, pasta, and salad."
* Correct: "The menu includes pizza, pasta, and salad."
When to use a colon after "include":
* If "include" is followed by a list: You can use a colon after "include" if you're introducing a list of items.
Example:
* "The package includes the following: a book, a pen, and a notebook."
In conclusion: While a colon can sometimes follow "include" in certain contexts, it's not a rule. The best practice is to evaluate the sentence's structure and meaning to determine whether a colon is necessary.