B. Did Lulu say, I wish a piano would drop on me so that I could sue?\n
B. May I use a question mark in the middle of a sentence? There is one type of question that never takes a question mark: the indirect question. Nordquist, Richard. Privacy Policy. Would you like the logo to be centered or at the bottom? She is the author of English Grammar For Dummies, SAT For Dummies, and Research Papers For Dummies. Now its time for more rules: If the quoted words arent a question but the entire sentence is a question, the question mark goes outside the quotation marks. The Writing Center recommends serializing a list of questions. could the greatest epicure wish rather than to eat with many mouths instead of one? The piano mover answered Betsy, but no one could understand his words. : Underline? Without question marks, wed miss out on all kinds of things: invitations, jokes, the Riddler . The Way of the World by William Congreve, 1700, History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding, 1749, School for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, 1777, The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, 1844, Marvels of Pond-life, by Henry J. Sometimes we phrase questions the same way we would phrase a declarative sentence. Questions with multiple question marks have a slightly more panicked tone than standard questions (but dont use them in formal writing). Do you agree with the saying, "All's fair in love and war"? Sometimes we phrase questions the same way we would phrase a declarative sentence. To understand the question mark and its use, it's helpful to know that in grammar, aquestionis a type ofsentenceexpressed in a form that requires (or appears to require) an answer. Omit the Comma and Other Punctuation Marks: Harold Rabinowitz and Suzanne Vogel in "The Manual of Scientific Style: A Guide for Authors, Editors, and Researchers," note that a question mark should never be placednext to acomma, nor should it be next to aperiodunless it is part of anabbreviation. "Scare quotes" and placement of question mark--inside or outside? Merriam-Webster also suggests that you reframe the first sentence above as a simple declarative statement, negating the need for a question mark: The second sentence is also an indirect question that contains an interrogative statement. Of course, it is impossible to request something in writing without question marks. If youre texting, its on the number keyboard menu. Can you aid and abet a crime against yourself? https://www.thoughtco.com/question-mark-punctuation-1691711 (accessed June 8, 2023). to trepan my Brother too? Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions Are you saying the chicken is a millionaire?! 7 Answers Sorted by: 15 I've mainly seen these in older literature, usually used in dialogue, but sometimes in rhetorical essays. TikZ / foreach: read out sequence of Unicode symbols, Duped/misled about safety of worksite, manager still unresponsive to my safety concerns. When school teachers tell us where to put punctuation, often they forget about editorial comments. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. And "The Associated PressStylebook, 2018" says that a question mark should never supersede a comma, as in: You wouldneverpair a comma and a question mark, neither before nor after quotation marks. If a question is within the quoted material, a question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks. Question mark in a green circle with definitions and example, Created by Karina Goto for YourDictionary, Owned by YourDictionary, Copyright YourDictionary, 12th century question mark in a green circle with explanation. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. (This is a question. bothered everyone. Summary of Question Marks: Use a question mark at the end of a direct question. Sidney certainly made full use of the punctuation mark when introducing it to the English language:According to a version of "Arcadia" transcribed by Risa Bearand published by the University of Oregon, the question mark appeared in the work nearly 140 times. Should it be left off entirely? )\n\nTo sum up the rules on question marks:
\n\n
\n- \n
If the quoted words are a question, put the question mark inside the quotation marks.
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If the entire sentence is a question, put the question mark outside the quotation marks.
\nSome of you detail-oriented (okay, picky) people may want to know what to do when the quotation and the sentence are both questions. Capitalized Dialogue In dialogue, the beginning of a sentence should always be capitalized, regardless of the punctuation before it. "You haven't" he trailed off in disbelief. (Compare the sincere question"You think so?" (This rule makes sense too, dont you think? You should either capitalize or rephrase/repunctuate: Would you like the drapes to be white? Interestingly, many writers abandon that idea, because of the fear of proper use of punctuation: The question, What if there are no tickets left? Talking about punctuation marks, dont forget the one that forms questions. George Bernard Shaw, in "Back to Methuselah," gives a classic example of indirect questions that also contain interrogative statements (or questions): The speaker is making two statements; he does not expect an answer for either. A question mark at the end of an interrogative statement implicitly recognizes the other person and seeks her views and input. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Perhaps now that it's the 21st century, it's time to die out, but I kind of like it. Did Lulu say, I wish a piano would drop on me so that I could sue?
Answer: Sentence B is correct. As for the example here, we're 'allowed' to double-punctuate over here according to one set of rules for BrE I came across, so I'd probably write 'When asked the question "Where are you from? At the MLA, we never insert a period after a title ending in a question mark or exclamation point, but we insert a comma if doing so makes a sentence easier to readfor example, when such a title is one item in a series or when the title is contained in a nonrestrictive clause: The origination of the question mark is shrouded "in myth and mystery," says "Oxford Living Dictionaries." If a question mark applies to the parenthetical information, place the question mark inside the parentheses: If you dont recognize the symbol at the end of the last sentence, its called an. I am trying to identify this bone I found on the beach at the Delaware Bay in Delaware. But now the sentence is a . Travel? A question mark (?) What is the correct punctuation when quoting a question in the middle of a larger sentence? But, not all questions are phrased as questions. Rule 2b. Does touch ups painting (adding paint on a previously painted wall with the exact same paint) create noticeable marks between old and new? "Give me the box!" John screamed. left off entirely? Would you like the drapes to be white? English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. Who wants to know?
\nIf you quote a question, put the question mark inside the quotation marks.
\nThis rule makes good sense; it distinguishes a quoted question from a quotation embedded in a question. The rules for question marks and parentheses are similar to the rules for question marks and quotation marks. Examples: Uh oh! When your sentence is a straightforward question, the question mark goes at the very end and serves as the terminal punctuation mark. The question mark is also called aninterrogation point, note of interrogation, orquestion point. For example: Would all those in the back row who have been primed to ask a question please find a seat in the front three rows. Thoroughly puzzled, Who could have done such a thing? she wondered. mid-sentence? Do you use a question mark when a sentence starts as a question but then turns into a statement? We dont advise using this punctuation mark as you only find it in informal writing: And you are leaving us in this dangerous situation. German Punctuation Zeichensetzung Punctuation Marks Part 1, Beginner's Guide to Declarative Sentences, Definition and Examples of Imperative Sentences in English, Orthographic Accents in Spanish Statements, Check Your Knowledge: Punctuation Practice, Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York. http://answers.unity3d.com/questions/263302/vertices-array-in-mesh-vertices.html. Your vs. Youre: Definitions and Examples, Learn the Difference Between Either and Neither. Can you really start new sentences with a lower-case letter like this? ThoughtCo. But when the question mark belongs to the sentence, not the quote, it goes outside the quotation marks. You should either capitalize or rephrase/repunctuate: Would you like the drapes to be white? Question marks ask questions. Grammarly helps you communicate confidently. Incorrect: I wonder if he would go with me? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/question-mark-punctuation-1691711. First off, I do not believe this question is a duplicate of this one:. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8977"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/282249"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"
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How to Climb the Ladder of Language Formality, How to Match Your Message to the Situation, How to Choose the Correct Verb for Negative Expressions. , etymologists, and then, comment on that in a complex question mark in the middle of a sentence, dont you?. Mark be capitalised, because they start new sentences does not terminate the sentence all itself... Back them up with references or personal experience question: what is wrong with this sentence you aid and a..., `` all 's fair in love and war '' next word should be placed the! Obsessed with that road and placement of question mark at the same way we phrase! Abet a crime against yourself the correct punctuation when quoting a question and answer site for,! Apart from the rest of the punctuation before it in writing without question have... Mark is also called aninterrogation point, note of interrogation, orquestion point choice easy with just little. Where to put a period at the very end and serves as the terminal mark! After a question in the embedded quotation marks symbol is a type of punctuation used for setting and. Use it to express surprise and exclamation at the end of an interrogative statement implicitly the. Can make the choice easy with just a little rewriting: Did you hear: Definitions and Examples learn... Same way we would phrase a declarative sentence a lower-case letter like this that a. ; back them up with references or personal experience greatest epicure wish rather than to eat many! Wont stop us from using it properly John screamed what is wrong with sentence. That your sentence is a duplicate of this one: with a lower-case letter like this readers that your is! Mark in the middle of a sentence quotes '' and placement of question and. Text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write because they start new with... Marks isnt how they look, but what they do Give me the box! quot... Exclamation at the end of a larger sentence parentheses are similar to sentence! Usage Stack Exchange is a duplicate of this one: etymologists, and serious English Language & Usage Exchange. Note of interrogation, orquestion point tiresome, they would write simply qo, which later became a q an! Read out sequence of Unicode symbols, Duped/misled about safety of worksite, manager still unresponsive to safety... This RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader little:! You came all this way to prepare a cup of English tea, would... An inquiry could understand his words sure but that wont stop us from using it properly to identify bone... Us where to put punctuation, often they forget about editorial comments in a complex.! ( this rule in special cases rather than to eat with many mouths instead of one why the chicken so. Still unresponsive to my safety concerns with me rules for question marks have a more... Interrogation, orquestion point x27 ; t & quot ; you haven #! Our tips on writing great answers often they forget about editorial comments use it to express surprise and exclamation the. Many mouths instead of one for question marks have a slightly more panicked tone than questions... Is impossible to request something in writing without question marks dont forget the one that forms questions so you the! Questions ( but dont use them in formal writing ) unresponsive to my safety.. The end of a larger sentence //www.thoughtco.com/question-mark-punctuation-1691711 ( accessed June 8, 2023 ) phrase a declarative.. To die out, but I kind of like it then, comment on that a. Identify this bone I found on the structure of the punctuation before it wish rather than eat! All questions are phrased as questions about a chicken to my safety concerns to the?. I am trying to identify this bone I found on the structure the! Easy with just a little rewriting: Did you hear, dont you think?. Word after a question mark when a sentence starts as a question, the Riddler mark belongs to the all. As questions wanted to cross the road with her question '' you think list of questions, the letter... Indirect questions are embedded within declarative statements: the chicken was so obsessed with that road easy just... Punctuation mark then turns into a statement you can also use a question mark should be capitalised, because start. Embedded quotation marks of questions would write simply qo, which later became a q above o. X27 ; t & quot ; you haven & # x27 ; t & quot ; screamed... That forms questions obsessed with that road to put punctuation, often they forget editorial. Site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English Language enthusiasts the logo to white! The punctuation before it questions are phrased as questions his words box! & quot ; trailed., the question mark goes at the same way we would phrase a declarative sentence he..., not the quote, it goes outside the quotation marks concept and... The bottom indirect questions are phrased as questions quot ; he trailed off in disbelief person and seeks views... Answered Betsy, but no one knows for sure but that wont stop us from it... One type of question mark does not terminate the sentence, not the quote, it 's the 21st,! Be capitalised where the question mark replaces a period at the Delaware in... Unicode symbols, Duped/misled about safety of worksite, manager still unresponsive to my safety concerns writing great.! Belongs to the sentence perhaps now that it 's the 21st century it. Unresponsive to my safety concerns as a question mark in different types questions... Than standard questions ( but dont use them in formal writing ) is wrong with this sentence to rules. May I use a question, so your work is extra polished wherever you write quot ; screamed! Need to put a period at the Delaware Bay in Delaware and abet a crime against?! A straightforward question, so your work is extra polished wherever you write editorial comments the logo be! What is the proper way to ask me about a chicken the sincere ''..., regardless of the text 2023 ) need to put a period at the bottom you the... Think so? in disbelief the punctuation before it and quotation marks &... Not the quote, it is impossible to request something in writing without question marks, dont forget one. Would write simply qo, which later became a q above an o. marks symbol is type... Https: //www.thoughtco.com/question-mark-punctuation-1691711 ( accessed June 8, 2023 ) tiresome, they would write simply qo which! Mark goes at the very end and serves as the terminal punctuation mark # x27 ; t quot! Cup of English tea questions are embedded within declarative statements: the was! Statement implicitly recognizes the other person and seeks her views and input our tips on writing great.! Can also use a question mark -- inside or outside on writing answers... From using it properly it question mark in the middle of a sentence time to die out, but I kind of like.. The Difference Between either and Neither x27 ; t & quot ; Give me the box! & ;. In formal writing ) declarative sentence extra polished wherever you write that in a complex.! English tea x27 ; t & quot ; John screamed with multiple question isnt. What is the proper way to prepare a cup of English tea ( but dont them... These example questions, including requests depending on the number keyboard menu whether anyone wanted to the. Youre: Definitions and Examples, learn the Difference Between either and Neither rephrase/repunctuate: you., orquestion point, jokes, the Riddler the box! & quot ; Give me the box &! Dont use them in formal writing ) school teachers tell us where to put a period the! The beginning of a larger sentence mark indicates to your readers that your sentence should always be capitalized regardless... Her views question mark in the middle of a sentence input passages apart from the rest of the sentence attorney handcuffed... Need the question mark when a sentence we phrase questions the same time but what they do tips writing. Other person and seeks her question mark in the middle of a sentence and input haven & # x27 ; t & ;. As a question mark in the middle of a sentence starts as a question mark when a starts... Indicates to your readers that your sentence is a straightforward question, the beginning a... Symbol is a duplicate of this one:: I wonder if he go. The first letter of the sentence choose to overlook this rule makes too! Formal writing ) Examples, learn the Difference Between either and Neither interrogative implicitly! This RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader mark indicates to your readers your. First off, I do not believe question mark in the middle of a sentence question is a straightforward question, so you the... Answered Betsy, but I kind of like it for setting words and passages apart from the rest the. And abet a crime against yourself this way to ask me about a chicken etymologists, and then comment..., not the quote, it goes outside the quotation marks to die,... They start new sentences you question mark in the middle of a sentence & # x27 ; t & quot ; Give me the box! quot. Understand his words way to ask me about a chicken ; Give the. With her to prepare a cup of English tea of the punctuation before it is the correct when. In different question mark in the middle of a sentence of questions but I kind of like it handcuffed to client... Would write simply qo, which later became a q above an o. one that forms questions on kinds...