How are you going to solve this equation? If you're asking someone a question about a specific phrase that you heard, use a question mark outside of the quotation marks. Care is needed here as such a sentence can look, at first sight, like a statement rather than a question. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread. We also use it to indicate a word or phrase whose appropriateness we doubt. Did you actually take that offer? Usually, one-word questions need no question mark. "You didn't actually agree to that offer?" A declarative sentence is a sentence in the form of a statement. An indirect question is question found in a declarative sentence. and which we usually place at the end of a sentence or phrase that asks a question or is intended as a direct question. With these examples, you can easily imagine a context in which an answer is not expected: DO use a question mark after a statement that’s really a question. A direct question is posed explicitly, head-on. Direct: How would they get out of this? I agree that it’s surprising that anyone still does it and find it maddening to hear female experts say things like, “Economic growth may be limited to less than two percent this year?”, Well, Mr. Nichol, what do you think of an exclamation point AND a question mark both at the end, such as in: Question mark style conventions. inside or outside a closing quotation mark depends on whether what’s inside the quotation marks is a question. Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Do not use a comma after a question mark occurring in the middle of a sentence. Tips for using question marks 1) DO NOT use a question mark after an indirect question. @rm: No, the question mark in your example goes outside the quotation marks: the question is not the quoted matter, but the statement around it. Indirect: I wonder what’s in the envelope. 3. An indirect question is asked at a remove. Do not use a period after a question mark occurring in the end of a sentence, even if followed by quotation marks. Some examples of this are: "Do you know if Mark said, 'Bring dinner'?" Punctuation is designed to make communication more clear, so I’d like, totally, recommend that you use it.. Question: Will you please pick up some olive oil? Do not use a period after a question mark occurring in the end of a sentence, even if followed by quotation marks. Command: Will you please stop that. If a writer wants to retain the nicety of a question when stating an imperative, adding a question mark will do. If it is, put the question mark inside the closing quotation mark. It’s better to use a single question mark when the questions are otherwise distinguished from each other. Will question mark come for “4 way’s to buy”, Copyright © 2020 Daily Writing Tips . When you need to use a question mark with other punctuation, remember that the rules for punctuating sentences with quotation marks and parentheses are similar. Indirect: The question was why he did it. If a question is within the quoted material, a question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks. This is why we have the interrobang. In such a case, the question mark comes after the question, not at the end of the sentence. —Michel de Montaigne. “What Devil has gotten into you!?”. (See below for a caveat.). Question marks indicate that someone is asking a question. My proofreader advises that I don't require a question mark on the following sentences as they are not strictly 'questions', but I just wanted to check other peoples opinions. —E. Indirect questions don’t always need a question mark. What would you use with the following: “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please.” (I would use a question mark, but based on your column now I’m wondering if that’s right — in the context, the sentence was shouted, so it could also get an exclamation point). Why not take the risk. The question mark is NOT used: after indirect questions; after rhetorical questions; This can be seen in the following examples: I wonder if he's sure about that. He wouldn’t do that, Woody. Who is the president of India? Incorrect: I asked her to pay the bill? If a sentence starts with a question word such as why, when, how, who, what or where, then it should end with a question mark. No question mark after a command. The coach asked the quarterback to sit on the bench. “Why on Earth did you do that! Usually, one-word questions need no question mark.It’s overkill. A question mark replaces a period at the end of a sentence when the sentence is a question. is part of the quotation. Indirect questions, like “I wondered what she was talking about,” should not end with a question mark. Did you actually take that offer? These two examples nicely illustrate the ear principle: Question: Are you joking? Even if emotionally expressed, it’s still a question. Clearly, that man has a wife who is very bossy, she thinks that she is very smart, and she thinks that she is all-powerful. Are you on fire? Again, insert the mark after the question. Summary of Question Marks: Use a question mark at the end of a direct question. White, “The greater part of the world’s troubles are due to questions of grammar.” I’m surprised anyone still does this. I asked, “Have oil prices hit rock bottom yet?” but she wouldn’t speculate. He wouldn’t do that, would he? Clearly, he is saying something that translates as: Now that it’s clear when and when not to use the question mark, the question remains where to put it in a sentence. However, if a period is used to mark an abbreviation that appears at the end of a question, we put the question mark outside (to the right of) the period, with no space between them. Sometimes, writers get miscued when their sentence contains a word that is indeed often part of a question. Although a question mark is used to indicate a question, it is important to remember that not all questions end in question marks. But if the speaker asks someone to confirm that his or her suspicion of the other person’s complicity is unfounded, he or she would ask, with an upward inflection, “You didn’t break my antique vase?”, In a declarative or imperative sentence expressing disbelief, doubt, or surprise, a question mark is acceptable: “This is what it has come to?” However, an exclamation point can preempt a question mark in an emotionally expressed question: “How do you know that!”. I’d use a question mark in that example. The error can be glaring (to the likes of me, anyway), but it can also be subtle. Her husband walked in, saw her, and addressed her. When a question ends with an abbreviation, end the abbreviation with a period and then add the question mark. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. The question Will you still be my friend? It is not a command or question. And you wouldn't but one in in a sentence like this one: George wondered whether he had made a … Indirect: She wondered why he did it. The combined question and exclamation mark. Question marks are part of English punctuation, which also includes exclamation marks, periods, commas, etc. Whether or not to put a mark (?) is used to mark the end of an interrogative sentence – a question. Even though the question mark is one of the most commonly used forms of punctuation, it is also often times misused. This thread is locked. In my favorite, there is a bathroom with a tub in it, and on the wall above hang busts of Socrates, Napoleon, and Abraham Lincoln. A question mark usually shows that a sentence is a direct question. “In a declarative or imperative sentence expressing disbelief, doubt, or surprise, a question mark is acceptable: ‘This is what it has come to? Check it on Wikipedia for a simple expanation. Is it wrong to combine a question mark and an exclamation point, and what might be the rule as to which goes first? Some authorities include a space between the uncertain word and the opening parenthesis; others omit the space (as shown in the example below). So read on even if you think you’ve got this one covered. If not, it may not be a true question. Become a member and unlock all Study Answers. Italics are often used for the interrogative words, though: The question was not ifbut when. "You didn't actually agree to that offer?" For instance: What is your name? Questions are statements of inquiry intended to elicit a response — for example, “What is the matter with you?” — but not all inquiries or seeming inquiries are, technically, questions. Your voice may tend to rise at the end of a sentence that contains a question but is not itself a question. (Styling rule: The interrogative words are in roman here because the sentence as a whole is styled in italics.) For example, the rhetorical question “You didn’t break my antique vase,” uttered in an alarmed tone after the speaker has witnessed that very action, would be voiced with downward inflection. Do not use a question mark at the end of an indirect question. Sometimes, question marks are known as interrogation points. The speaker is not asking for a response; he or she is essentially thinking out loud while processing the traumatic incident. “Have you lost your mind! A question mark will stand in place of a period when it is ending a question. Which: Yes, There Is a Difference, the difference between direct and indirect questions, questions that aren’t, statements that are, sentences that contain more than one question. Indirect: How they would get out of this was the question on everyone’s mind. Also, we wouldn't use a question mark when the question becomes a request. I would agree that a question mark is needed because the speaker is asking a question. The difference between direct and indirect may be subtle: Direct: You might well ask, what is the best course of action in this case? Thus, don’t use a question mark at the end of a question in reported speech. her boss asked incredulously. Question Marks. He isn’t coming, Izzy. Keyboard Question Mark not Working 127/5000. For example: Do you prefer to read (a) in bed, (b) on the couch, (c) or in a hammock? B. her boss asked incredulously. (Styling rule: The interrogative words are in roman here because the sentence as a whole is styled in italics. Right: “Will you pick up some olive oil?” he asked. Find out more in this Bitesize Primary KS1 English guide. Direct: Why did he do it? It’s mostly among girls and young women but I sometimes hear it from men. As per the rules of English grammar, you should use the question mark to end all direct questions. (Image Source: Wikipedia) Below, the first sentence is meant to be a request. ?” Depending on context, a sentence may or may not merit a question mark. Your ear can help guide you in punctuating such sentences. “Have you taken leave of your senses! A question may occur within a sentence that is, as a whole, a statement. A sentence worded as a question may in some contexts be meant as an exclamation. 2. The question mark punctuation is probably the most-used punctuation after the full stop or the period punctuation mark. Do you prefer to read in bed? Your mention of inflection brings to mind the practice of “up-talking,” a speech mannerism attributed to Valley Girls, in which ordinary statements end in an upward inflection so that they sound like queries. That’s a good question! A word like why, or wonder, or asked. 1. Wrong: “Will you pick up some olive oil,” he asked? Common mistake: the use of a question mark after an indirect question or other sentence that at first glance may look like a question but really isn’t. in a hammock? When to Use Question Marks. You'll also get three bonus ebooks completely free. Susan asked, “Do you think it’s realistic to finish the project by Friday?” Every day, a soldier may face this question: “Is this the day I die?” If the quoted material is not asking a question, put the question mark … '” Curtis, if anything, I’d say that teen upspeak, as I’ve heard it called, is more prevalent than ever. ), Statements can seem to be questions, and vice versa. ?” Inclusion or exclusion of a question mark is usually a straightforward matter. Question marks are used in direct questions, i.e. However, there are instances in which what are framed as questions should end with other punctuation, and occasionally, a statement might be followed by a question mark. —Erasmus, “English usage is sometimes more than mere taste, judgment, and education—sometimes it’s sheer luck, like getting across the street.” Definitely not a request. Do you agree with the saying, "All's fair in love and war"? Question marks go at the end of simple sentences. Test your child on question marks and help them learn in this year 1 and year 2 KS1 English and Literacy quiz. The second one could be a request, depending on the context, but here, imagine a mom ordering a child to stop kicking the back of her seat while she’s driving. (correct) a question mark phrase. Question mark style conventions. and The placement of question marks with quotation marks follows logic. Note that you put a question mark at the end of a question, even if the words in the sentence are not in the normal question order, or some words are omitted. “God does not much mind bad grammar, but He does not take any particular pleasure in it.” Just FYI, note the change in emphasis when our sentence is written as a single question: Do you prefer to read in bed, on the couch, or in a hammock? For instance: Would everyone please hand in the assignment today. Do not use question marks when writing indirect questions such as those in the following examples. Read your sentence aloud. ?”, There is also a German idiom that translates into English as: The woman of the house has the bathtub completely filled with water, and she is walking around on the water. It’s overkill. Mark sorry but wouldn’t have been better: When a question is not a question? The main purpose of a question mark, perhaps unsurprisingly, is to No question mark after an exclamation. That vs. (If they are German, you don’t need to understand them.”) You will improve your English in only 5 minutes per day, guaranteed! Indirect questions: As a general rule, do not use a question mark at the end of an indirect question, a declarative sentence that reports a question and ends with a period rather than a question mark. when the actual words of a speaker are used. The question mark will also suffice to end the sentence.) You may want to rethink your (over)use of this punctuation mark. Depending on context, a sentence may or may not merit a question mark. Put a question mark outside the quotes if you're asking a question about a quote. Definition of a question mark in the Idioms Dictionary. Based in western Massachusetts, '” If your sentence begins with one of those words, then it is most likely a question and should be ended with a question mark. Where are you going? Any questions? The question mark can be used to indicate editorial uncertainty, either in parentheses or in brackets. Why watch a video on question marks, you ask? “So now, you want to be Jesus Christ!?”. A reported question should end with a full stop. Does your voice rise at the end? 2 min read. For instance, you don't put a question mark in after a rhetorical question, because an answer is not really wanted. However, there are certain rules and regulations to consider when we are using punctuation marks. Direct: The question was, why did he do it? Question words like who, when, where, why, what, which, and how indicate that a sentence is a question. Why do you need a calculator? (How well do you know your question marks? 1. “However, an exclamation point can preempt a question mark in an emotionally expressed question: ‘How do you know that! Direct: What’s in the envelope? Always feel free to write and ask. Statement: You must be joking. When you are changing a question from direct speech into indirect speech, you end the sentence with a full stop, not a question mark. Do not use a comma after a question mark occurring in the middle of a sentence. Question marks should not follow questions that are disguised requests: “Could you please close the door on your way out.” (In writing, such requests are best rendered more concisely: “Please close the door on your way out.”). A question mark (?) It indicates the interrogative clause or phrasein several languages. The question marks on the poet's birth and death dates indicate that those dates are not certain, and the one in the second example indicates that the reading of the name is possibly doubtful. Likewise, an exclamation that superficially appears to be a question — for example, “Was she ever surprised!” — is just that: an exclamation. If the question mark is not part of a sentence-ending title, don't italicize the question mark: Did he sing the French national anthem, la Marseillaise? The basic rule is that a question mark should not be combined with commas, periods, or exclamation points. It simply states an idea. why my question mark on the keyboard is not working when i press that shift but when i slash it ok. Indirect: You might well ask what the best course of action is in this case. She didn’t ask—why bother?—if he had done his homework. Correct: I asked her to pay the bill. Questions are statements of inquiry intended to elicit a response — for example, “What is the matter with you?” — but not all inquiries or seeming inquiries are, technically, questions. 3. Intention can be the only difference between a question and a statement: Note that the ear has its limits. The mark completes the statement as a "yes/no" question, giving the person being addressed an option of responding with "no" or "sorry, I can't." Subscribers get access to our archives with 800+ interactive exercises! "Did you hear Steve say, 'Go away'?" What does a question mark expression mean? Compare the following examples, where the usual commas are dropped: “Would you like a cup of coffee?” she said. When Not to Use a Question Mark. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? No question mark after a question that’s really a statement. Can we use question mark in sentences like- ” Describe the lesson in your own words?” Leisureguy on December 10, 2010 6:02 pm. He isn’t coming, is he? A discussion of exceptions to basic use of the question mark follows. on the couch? All Right Reserved. 2. I also got a book of German cartoons that either don’t have any captions or they don’t need any. In writing and stories, correct punctuation should be used. ‘I take it you want to rest just now.’ *(Question mark after 'now'? An example of an indirect question would be: She asked me if I was happy to be home. The post Question Mark - Definition, Uses and Examples touches on an important punctuation mark which has the symbol (?) Note that you put a question mark at the end of a question, even if the words in the sentence are not in the normal question order, or some words are omitted. Italics are often used for the interrogative words, though: The question was not if but when. If a sentence contains two or more questions, consider a question mark after each to distinguish them as separate. You use a question mark whenever the sentence itself asks a question. Or question itself. A question mark goes on the end of every question. ?” Where to put it? Examples: She asked, "Will you still be my friend?" “How do you know that! For example, the rhetorical question “You didn’t break my antique vase,” uttered in an alarmed tone after the speaker has witnessed that very action, would … )* ‘Yes, I do.’ ‘I’m going to do it now then – as long as you’re sure you don’t mind. Those of us who’ve taught English as a second language may be familiar with two rare instances in which the intonation of a statement and a question can be identical: working everywhere.
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