How to Use a Question Mark

Do you have questions about the question mark? The following rules will help you use the question mark correctly for clearer writing.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dictionaries
• Notebook Papers
• Pens

1. Most simply, use the question mark after a direction question, as in, "Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?"

2. Use a period rather than a question mark after an indirect question, such as, "He asked whether I would like to take a flying leap."

3. Opt for a period rather than a question mark for a courteous command that's disguised as a question. For example, "Will you please turn in your tests now."

4. Jot down a question mark, sometimes within parentheses, to indicate uncertainty about a fact. For example, "In her former life she was born in 1211 (?) in a tiny Norwegian village."

5. Place the question mark inside the quotation marks only if it's part of the quotation. Otherwise, it goes outside the quotation marks. For example, "He wondered, 'Why me?'"