Punctuation marks are your friends because they make your writing clearer and more precise. Question marks, unsurprisingly, are a piece of punctuation used to end questions. Keep reading to learn what a question mark is, how to use it, and how to type the symbol! Show
What is a Question Mark For?The question mark is a punctuation used at the end of each direct question. Interrogative statements should end with this punctuation mark–for example:
The statements above are an example of an interrogative sentence. Unlike a declarative sentence, it asks a question or expresses uncertainty. Meanwhile, a declarative statement provides a fact, explanation, or opinion. The earliest question mark used dates to the Egyptians who designed the curve of the punctuation symbol. The curve was inspired by the cats they worshipped. Another possible history comes from Middle Age scholars who wrote “questio” at the end of their formal writing when asking. Later on, it was shortened to “qo,” then the “q” went on top of the “o.” In A History of Writing, Steven Roger Fischer stated that Latin manuscripts first included the modern question mark. However, it only appeared in the English language in 1587. This form of punctuation is the “least demanding.” As long as you know what an interrogative statement is, you know how to use this simple punctuation mark. How to Use a Question MarkAccording to the Merriam-Webster punctuation guide, the question mark is a piece of punctuation that indicates doubt or question. The question mark usage should always be at the end of a direct question since it’s a terminal punctuation mark–for example:
An indirect question is also a type of interrogative statement. But you should not use a terminal question mark for this type of writing–for example:
One-word questions should often be treated as indirect questions. Therefore, the straightforward question below should use a period.
There is no question mark function in requests statements because they are not true questions. It should end with a period because it is not a question sentence–for example:
The same is true for a rhetorical question. This statement, for example, takes a different punctuation:
However, you might find the rhetorical question mark in screenplays to indicate sarcasm. It lets the actor know the proper tone. Question marks also signal uncertainty. Use it for editorial uncertainty with the help of parentheses and brackets–for example:
One of the most essential rules about question marks is, you should use multiple question marks for multiple questions–for example:
Additional question marks or combinations of question marks and exclamation points are incorrect. But you might see them in some informal and modern writing pieces–for example:
Direct questions can occur within larger sentences. Use a question mark and a comma for understandability–for example:
How Do I Type a Question Mark Symbol?You can type the question mark character on your PC and Mac Keyboard by holding down “shift” and pressing the “?”. The question mark is usually right above the forward-slash key. You’ll see a white question mark on your Emoji keyboard if you’re an Apple user. Apple states that its function is to express quick questions with “weak emotions.” When a Question Mark Isn’t EnoughQuestion marks are functional and easy to use. Sometimes, it’s tempting to add extra punctuation when you’re texting someone or doing casual writing–for example:
The punctuation mark at the end is an interrobang, which is a mix of an exclamation point and question mark. This style of writing is only acceptable in informal contexts. But in formal writing, a direct question mark is enough. You might have also come across the irony punctuation (⸮), which is not for a type of question. Instead, this mirrored question mark denotes sarcasm or irony. This symbol is the same as the Arabic question mark. Another question mark type is the inverted question mark or inverted opening question mark (¿). You’ll find these marks in Latin American Spanish and other languages of Spain. The Greek question mark looks like a semicolon (;). Lastly, an Armenian question requires an open circle over the last vowel of the word. How Do You Use a Question Mark in a Sentence?
Any More Questions?You can learn how to use the ordinary question mark in a lightning flash! All you have to do is know what a question is and what it looks like. I hope this overview of question mark usage helped you improve your grammar & writing. Use it at the end of your direct questions without combining it with other punctuation marks. What is a part of speech that links two words clauses or phrases?A conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses, and indicates the relationship between the elements joined. Coordinating conjunctions connect grammatically equal elements: and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.
Which of the following should be used after each item in a series that comes before a conjunction?A series is a group of three or more elements in a row. The last element in the series is connected to the others with one of these coordinating conjunctions: and, or, but (not), or yet (not). Commas should be placed between each element in the series and before the coordinating conjunction.
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