Table of Contents
Defining Question Mark and Usage of Question Mark
Question mark is a widely used punctuation mark in English language.
Definition of Question Mark
The punctuation mark which is used to indicate that a query or an interrogation has been done in a sentence is called as the question mark (?).
The question mark is also referred to as an ‘interrogation mark’. It comes at the end of an interrogative sentence in English language.
You can explore our Grammar section for English grammar and punctuation help.
History of Question Mark
At first, what actually stood for the question mark symbol was a Latin word ‘quaestio’ (which meant ‘question’ in Latin). Writers of those times used to insert this word wherever their text demanded a question. With the passage of time, Romans squeezed the word ‘quaestio’ into a short symbol of ‘Qo’. After that, it further shortened to ‘Q’ and later on, it came out as ‘Q’ with a period below it. Somehow the Arabic numeral of 2, inspired the question mark symbol and therefore, we now write the ‘?’ as a half 2 with a period (dot) below it.
Usage of Question Mark in English Language
Let’s explore the various ways in which we can employ the Question mark in our writings
1. For Queries
When one is asking a direct question from another, in requiring some information or response, the question mark is used. For example,
- Did you receive my letter today?
- How much do I have to pay for this?
2. For Statements Asking for a Reply
Sometimes speakers use statements in such a tone that they are posed as questions as the speaker is hopeful for some reply from the other person; in such cases the question mark is used. For example,
- She wasn’t married?
- He didn’t like his job?
3. For Tag Questions
Sometimes the speaker says a simple statement, but ends it with a small word that sounds as a query or they end with question tags and for such statements question marks are used as well. For example,
- Please finish this work by tomorrow morning, Ok?
- I didn’t meet David today, did you?
4. For Questions Within a Sentence
Sometimes one entire sentence may not entirely be a question and thus one needs to be careful of where to put the question mark in this sentence. One should put the question mark immediately where the question finishes inside the sentence. For example,
- Was she really telling the truth? Jane kept on wondering.
- Carl thought for a while, can I really trust Carter with my secrets?
5. For Series of Questions Within a Sentence
Sometimes you may need to mention a lot of questions within your sentence. In this case you should add the question mark after every individual question. For example,
- Are you worried about your kids’ future? Do you want to secure it? Ever wondered who will take care of them when you won’t be there? Well, leave all your worries on our Insurance Company!
6. For Requests
The question mark can be used for statements that are polite requests. For example,
- Can you please do this work for me?
- Would you please pass me the ketchup?
