The question mark is a punctuation mark that is used to show a direct question. It can also be used to indicate what is known as editorial doubt. This is where the author is not sure of what is being stated. For example, “Would Spiderman arrive on time to save the love of his life from Kingpin?”
Apart from this, it is also used to express surprise, disbelief, or uncertainty at the end of a sentence. Let’s take a look at each of the uses of question marks.
1. Direct Questions
Direct questions explicitly ask for information and end with a question mark. These sentences often begin with interrogative words like what, why, how, who, where, or when.
Examples:
"What time does the meeting start?"
"How do you plan to solve this issue?"
"Who is responsible for organizing the event?"
Direct questions require a clear and straightforward approach, with the question mark signifying that an answer is expected.
2. Indirect Questions
Indirect questions do not directly ask for information but instead embed the inquiry within a declarative statement. Unlike direct questions, they do not use a question mark.
Examples:
"She asked if the project was completed on time."
"I wonder how they managed to finish the task so quickly."
"He wanted to know why the report was delayed."
Using a question mark with an indirect question is incorrect, as it breaks the declarative structure of the sentence.
3. How to use question marks with other punctuation
Using question marks with various punctuation marks can be tricky. Sometimes it makes sense to keep the question mark within punctuation marks; other times, it should be left out. Below we provide a few quick rules to follow.
a. Question marks with quotation marks
The placement of a question mark with quotation marks depends on whether the question is part of the quoted material or the main sentence. If the quote is a question, then the question marks go inside the quotation marks. If not, then the question mark stands outside the quotation mark.
Examples:
If the quoted material is a question:
He asked, "What time is it?"
If the entire sentence is a question:
Did she really say, "This is the best decision"?
If both are questions:
Did she ask, "What’s your opinion on this?"
In these cases, the question mark goes inside or outside the quotation marks based on what is being questioned.
b. Question Marks with Parentheses
When using question marks with parentheses, their placement depends on whether the question is part of the main sentence or an aside.
Examples:
If the question is part of the main sentence:
Who is responsible for this task (and why)?
If the question is an aside:
Can we finish this on time? (Have we considered all the factors?)
The question mark applies only to the relevant clause or thought. This ensures that your writing or meaning is clear.
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Cite this EminentEdit article |
Antoine, M. (2024, December 01). Question Marks. https://www.eminentediting.com/post/question-marks |
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