A common question in my class concerns where end marks belong when used with a quotation: to the inside or outside of the end quotation mark? The correct answer is both, depending on how the quotation marks are used. It all depends on whether you are quoting a question or asking a question about a quote. Let’s take a closer look at the roles quotation
marks and question marks play in the English language and how you can use them to create clear and concise writing. Question marks are the terminal punctuation
mark required for interrogative sentences. Interrogative sentences ask a question or request more information. It is structured with an adverb or auxiliary verb followed by the subject and punctuated with a question mark. For example:
You can also convert a declarative or imperative sentence into a question by providing a question tag. For example:
Usage of Quotation MarksDouble quotation marks are used to signify dialog and indicate the use of somebody else’s words and work to support an argument as a source of evidence. The various uses of quotes help determine the type of punctuation you use with it. Direct QuotesDirect quotations represent the exact words used in a text, speech, or thought. Quotations are required when you integrate direct quotes into your own work in order to provide a reference to where they originated from. For example:
Indirect QuotesIndirect quotes do not require quotation marks since they generally provide a summarizing or paraphrasing of the material. They refer to somebody else’s words and require a citation in the text but not quotations. For example:
Does a Question Mark Belong Inside or Outside the Quotation Marks?Depending on how you use a quote determines where you place the question mark. Punctuation is determined by whether the quote already includes a quotation mark or if the quote is being integrated into a sentence. When a Question Mark Belongs Inside Quotation MarksQuestion marks belong INSIDE quotation marks when the direct quote is an interrogative sentence. For example:
On the rare occasion, you have a quoted question placed within an interrogative sentence, place the quotation mark INSIDE the quotation mark. For example:
When a Question Mark Belongs Outside Quotation MarksThe placement of question marks belongs OUTSIDE quotation marks when the quote is integrated into an entire sentence.
Let’s ReviewQuestion marks are often used with quotation marks, and knowing where to place the end mark is important to the clarity of your writing. Question marks belong inside the quotation marks when the direct quote is a question or when an interrogative sentence integrates a quoted question. Question marks belong outside quotation marks when an interrogative sentence integrates a quote that is not a question itself. What goes inside a quotation mark?Quotation marks and adjacent punctuation
Commas and periods that are part of the overall sentence go inside the quotation marks, even though they aren't part of the original quotation.
How do you punctuate a question mark in a quote?Punctuation Junction: Question Marks and Quotation Marks. When the quotation itself is a question, put the question mark inside the quotation marks. ... . When the sentence as a whole is a question, but the quoted material is not, put the question mark outside the quotation marks.. |