Question Mark

Questions Exercises 

These exercises focus on different types of questions.

🎯 TLDR

✔️ The question mark (?) is used at the end of direct questions.
✔️ Indirect questions, polite requests, and rhetorical questions may not need one.
✔️ Avoid double punctuation and multiple question marks in formal writing.
✔️ The exclamation-question combo (!?) is used for emphasis in casual writing.

📌 What Is a Question Mark?

A question mark (?) is a punctuation symbol used at the end of a question. It tells the reader that a sentence is asking something rather than making a statement.

✔️ Example:

• Where are you going?

• Did you see my message?

• How much does this cost?

📌 Fun Fact: In Spanish, questions start with an upside-down question mark (¿) at the beginning (¿Cómo estás?).

🔹 When to Use a Question Mark

1️⃣ Direct Questions

Use a question mark at the end of a direct question.

✔️ Correct:

• What time is the meeting?

• Can you help me with this?

• Who is calling?

❌ Incorrect:

• What time is the meeting. (❌ Missing question mark)

2️⃣ Question Tags

A question tag is a short question at the end of a sentence. It turns a statement into a question.

✔️ Correct:

• You like coffee, don’t you?

• She’s coming with us, isn’t she?

• We’ve met before, haven’t we?

📌 Tip: If the sentence already expresses doubt, a question mark is optional.

✔️ Correct:

• I wonder if she’ll call me back. (No question mark needed)

• I don’t know where they went. (Not a direct question)

3️⃣ Rhetorical Questions

A rhetorical question doesn’t expect an answer but is used for emphasis or style.

✔️ Correct:

• Why does everything always go wrong?

• Who cares?

• Isn’t life amazing?

📌 Tip: If a rhetorical question is more of a statement, a period (.) may be used instead.

✔️ Example:

• Why do bad things happen to good people. (More of a statement)

4️⃣ Polite or Indirect Questions

Indirect questions are not direct questions, so no question mark is needed.

✔️ Correct:

• He asked if I was coming.

• I wonder what she thinks.

• She wants to know when we’ll arrive.

❌ Incorrect:

• He asked if I was coming? (❌ Indirect question)

❌ Common Mistakes with Question Marks

📌 Tip: Use only one question mark (?). Multiple question marks (???) are only used in casual texting for emphasis.

🤔 Question Mark in Special Cases

1️⃣ Can You Use a Question Mark in the Middle of a Sentence?

Yes, but only in direct quotations.

✔️ Example:

• She asked, “Are you coming?” and then left.

2️⃣ Can a Question Mark Be Used with Other Punctuation?

Usually, no, but in rare cases, it can be combined with an exclamation mark (!).

✔️ Example:

• You did what?!

• Are you serious?!

📌 Tip: This is used for shock, disbelief, or excitement but should be avoided in formal writing.

For more practice, have a look at exercises with Question Words and Question Forms.

FAQ: Common Questions About Question Marks

Can you use a question mark and a period together (?.)?

➡️ No. A sentence should end with only one punctuation mark.

Can a question mark go inside parentheses?

➡️ Yes, if the question is inside the parentheses.
✔️ Example: He finally answered (but was he serious?).

Is it okay to use multiple question marks (???)?

➡️ Only in informal writing (texting, social media). In formal writing, use only one.

Do you use a question mark in "I wonder" sentences?

➡️ No. "I wonder" is an indirect question, so a period (.) is correct.

✔️ Example: I wonder where she went.

When will the question mark change in English?

➡️ Unlikely! The question mark has been in use since the Middle Ages and remains a universal symbol.