Question Marks

Overview 

A question mark (?) is a punctuation mark placed at the end of a sentence to show that a direct question is being asked. It signals curiosity, doubt, or inquiry and is one of the three main end marks in English.

Direct questions

Use a question mark at the end of a sentence that asks something directly.

• Example: What time does the movie start?

Indirect questions

Do not use a question mark for an indirect question. These are statements, not direct questions.

• Example: She asked if I was going to the game.

With question words

Sentences beginning with words like who, what, where, when, why, and how often end with a question mark.

• Example: Where are you going after school?

With rhetorical questions

A rhetorical question (one that doesn’t need an answer) still ends with a question mark.

• Example: Isn’t it a beautiful day?

In dialogue

When writing conversations, use a question mark to show that the speaker is asking a question.

• Example: “Did you finish your homework?” asked Mom.

Combining with exclamation points

In informal writing, a question mark can sometimes be combined with an exclamation point to show surprise or disbelief, but this should be avoided in formal writing.

• Example: You did what?!

Avoiding misuse

Do not use more than one question mark in formal writing, even if you want to show emphasis. One is always enough.

• Example: 

              Incorrect: Are you ready??

              Correct: Are you ready?

Summary

Question marks are used at the end of direct questions, rhetorical questions, and in dialogue. They should not be used for indirect questions or doubled for emphasis. Used correctly, question marks make writing clear and help signal curiosity or inquiry.