Table of Contents
What is a Question Mark (?)
A question mark is a punctuation mark used at the end of a sentence to show that a question is being asked. It helps to signal to the reader that you’re expecting an answer or seeking information.
For example, when you ask someone, “How are you?”, the question mark at the end tells them you’re asking a question, not making a statement.
When to Use a Question Mark (?)
You should use a question mark at the end of any direct question. If your sentence is asking something, it should finish with this punctuation. Remember, it’s only used for actual questions, not statements or commands.
- Where did you go last night?
- Can I borrow your book?
- Why is the sky blue?
Each of these examples is asking something, and that’s why a question mark is needed.
Question Marks and Quotation Marks
The placement of question marks with quotation marks can indeed be tricky, but it’s essential to get it right for clear communication. The key rule is that if the quoted text is a question itself, the question mark belongs inside the quotation marks. However, if the entire sentence is a question, but the quoted words are not a question, the question mark stays outside the quotation marks.
Examples:
- She asked, What time is it?
In this sentence, the quoted words form a question, so the question mark is placed inside the quotation.
- Did you hear him say, I will be there soon?
Here, the sentence as a whole is a question, but the quoted words are not, so the question mark comes after the quotation marks.
Another example is when both the sentence and the quoted words are questions. In this case, the question mark stays inside the quotation marks because the quoted part is the key question:
- He asked, Do you need help?
The question mark goes inside because the quoted words form a question.
When the quoted material is not a question, and the sentence as a whole is also not a question, no question mark is needed:
- He said, I am leaving soon.
In this case, there is no question, so a period is used inside the quotation marks.
Question Marks and Parentheses
When a question is tucked inside parentheses, the question mark stays inside the parentheses if that part alone is a question. However, if the whole sentence is a question, the question mark will be at the end of the sentence.
- She left early (was something wrong?).
- Are you planning to join us (it’s going to be fun)?
In the first example, the question is inside the parentheses, so the question mark goes there. In the second example, the whole sentence is a question, so the question mark goes at the end.
Indirect Questions
Indirect questions don’t need a question mark at all. Indirect questions don’t directly ask for something but rather state that a question exists.
- I wonder if she’s coming.
- He asked whether you would be there.
In these examples, the sentences don’t end with a question mark because they aren’t directly asking anything. They are just reporting a question.
When a Single Question Mark Falls Short
Sometimes, especially in informal or casual writing, people might use more than one question mark to show surprise, disbelief, or emphasis. However, in formal writing, you should stick to just one question mark.
- Really???
- Why did you do that??
Although this can show extra emphasis, it’s better to avoid this in more formal settings. Stick to using just one question mark.
Example Sentences with Question Mark
- What time does the meeting start?
- Are you coming to the party tonight?
- Where did you put my keys?
- Can you help me with my homework?
- Why is the sky blue?
- Did you see the latest movie?
- How do you make pasta?
- When will we get the results?
- Is it going to rain today?
- Who is your favorite author?
Rules for Using a Question Mark
Always use a question mark at the end of direct questions.
A question mark is used when you’re asking a direct question. Direct questions are those where you expect a response or answer. Every direct question must end with a question mark to show it’s a question and not a statement.
- What time is the meeting?
- How did you finish the project so quickly?
- Can you help me with this task?
Don’t use a question mark for indirect questions.
Indirect questions are statements that report a question rather than asking it directly. These sentences don’t require a question mark since they are not actual questions.
- She asked if you were coming to the event.
- I wonder when the store opens tomorrow.
- He wants to know why they left early.
When a question is part of a quotation, the question mark goes inside the quotation marks.
If a question is part of what someone said or wrote and you’re quoting them, the question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks. This is because the question is part of the quoted material.
- He asked, Are you coming to the meeting?
- She said, Do you need any help with your assignment?
- I heard him ask, Where did they go?
If the question is inside parentheses, the question mark stays inside the parentheses.
When a question appears in parentheses, the question mark should be placed inside the parentheses, provided the question within is complete. The rest of the sentence will follow the normal punctuation rules.
- He was late (did he forget the time?).
- We need to check the schedule (is it confirmed yet?).
- She seemed confused (was she lost?).
In formal writing, avoid using multiple question marks for emphasis.
In informal settings, people sometimes use multiple question marks to show excitement or surprise. However, in formal writing, only one question mark should be used for each question, no matter how strongly you feel about it.
- Did you really finish the project on time?
- How is that even possible?
- Are you coming to the party?
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is using a question mark in indirect questions. Indirect questions report something rather than ask directly, so they end with a period instead of a question mark. For instance:
✔ He asked if you were coming.
✘ He asked if you were coming?
✔ I wonder if she is okay.
✘ I wonder if she is okay?
✔ Do you know if he likes pizza.
✘ Do you know if he likes pizza?
Another common error is adding a question mark to statements that aren’t questions. A statement should end with a period, even if the tone seems uncertain. For example:
✔ I think you are going home.
✘ I think you are going home?
✔ You already knew the answer.
✘ You already knew the answer?
✔ It was raining the whole day.
✘ It was raining the whole day?
