question mark

(noun)

Punctuation at the end of a sentence that asks a direct question.

Related Terms

Examples of question mark in the following topics:

  • Ending Punctuation

    • There are three main types of ending punctuation: the period, the question mark, and the exclamation mark.
    • The question mark (?)
    • Question marks come at the end of sentences that make a request or ask a direct question.
    • Like question marks, exclamation marks can be included within declarative sentences.
    • The exclamation mark is sometimes used in conjunction with the question mark.

  • Quotation Marks

    • In English, question marks and exclamation marks are placed inside or outside quoted material depending on whether they apply to the whole sentence or just the quoted portion.
    • In some situations, however, the exclamation mark or question mark will apply to the sentence as a whole and will come after the quotation mark.
    • (The question mark does not refer to the phrase within the quotation marks so the question mark is placed outside of the quotation marks.)
    • (Here, the question mark is part of the question posed within the quotation marks.)
    • The style used in the UK contains only punctuation used by the original source, placing commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation marks inside or outside quotation marks depending on where they were placed in the material that is being quoted.

  • Colons

    • Some punctuation marks, such as periods, question marks, and exclamation points, indicate the end of a sentence.
    • The Chicago Manual of Style, however, requires capitalization only when the colon introduces speech or a quotation, a direct question, or two or more complete sentences.
    • Similar to a dash and a quotation mark, a segmental colon can introduce speech.

  • Introducing and Formatting Quotations

    • If your quotation has a quotation within it, the inner quotation needs a pair of single quotation marks and the outer needs a pair of double quotation marks.
    • Periods and commas should be placed inside the quotation marks.
    • Question marks and exclamation points should be placed inside the quotation marks, unless the punctuation applies to the whole sentence (not just the quote).
    • (The original quotation used the pronoun "They," in answer to a reporter's question about a fiesta.)
    • When using this format, you do not need to use quotation marks.

  • Articulating Your Argument Up Front

    • As a first step you will state how you understand the question.
    • You also demonstrate that you are going to answer the question.
    • Refer to the essay question, showing that you have answered the question articulated in the beginning.

  • Introduction to Commas

    • The comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a slight break, pause, or transition.
    • The comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a slight pause or a transition of some kind.
    • If the attribution comes at the end of the quotation, then the comma should go inside the quotation marks, even if the quotation is a complete sentence.
    • Do not replace a question mark or exclamation point in a quotation with a comma.

  • Understanding Your Sources

    • Finally, remember to pay attention to quotation marks as you read.
    • Quotation marks are a helpful tool that authors use to help readers in distinguishing their voice from those of others.
    • What question, problem, or issue did the article address in relation to the topic?
    • Why is the question, problem, or issue important?
    • Does it answer a previously unanswered question, or contradict earlier research?

  • Deciphering an Argument You're Reading

    • In such instances, authors use quotation marks to explicitly signal that these are not their own words.
    • Most importantly, you need to ask relevant questions.
    • Quotation marks are a helpful tool that authors use to help readers in distinguishing their voice from those of others.

  • MLA: The Works Cited Section

    • For a book (or any other long work, like a play or film), the title is italicized; otherwise it should be enclosed in quotation marks.
    • Importantly, if the work in question were a more standard web page—rather than the text of an entire standalone book—its title would be formatted in quotation marks rather than italicized.

  • Components of a Sentence

    • The indirect object answers the questions “to whom/what?”
    • We could easily turn independent clauses into complete sentences by adding appropriate punctuation marks.