Question Mark At The End Of A Quote
Have you ever wondered where the question mark should go when there's a quote involved? It's a common question among writers and readers alike. In this article, we'll explore the rules surrounding the placement of the question mark at the end of a quote.
What is a Quote?
Before we dive into the question mark placement, let's define what a quote is. A quote is a word or phrase taken from a text or speech and repeated by someone other than the original author or speaker. Quotes are often used in writing to support an argument or to provide evidence for a claim.
Where Should the Question Mark Go?
Now, let's get to the question at hand: where should the question mark go when there's a quote involved? The answer is that it depends on the context of the sentence.
If the question mark is part of the original quote, then it should be placed inside the quotation marks. For example:
"Do you want to go to the movies?" asked John.
In this example, the question mark is part of the original quote, so it is included inside the quotation marks.
However, if the question mark is not part of the original quote but is instead part of the larger sentence, then it should be placed outside of the quotation marks. For example:
John asked, "Do you want to go to the movies"?
In this example, the question mark is not part of the original quote, but instead part of the larger sentence. Therefore, it is placed outside of the quotation marks.
Exceptions to the Rule
As with most rules, there are exceptions when it comes to the placement of the question mark at the end of a quote. One exception is when a quote is interrupted by an attribution or action. In these cases, the question mark should be placed outside of the quotation marks.
For example:
"I'm not sure," said John, "if I want to go to the movies."
In this example, the quote is interrupted by an attribution ("said John"), so the question mark is placed outside of the quotation marks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the placement of the question mark at the end of a quote depends on the context of the sentence. If the question mark is part of the original quote, then it should be placed inside the quotation marks. If it is not part of the original quote, but instead part of the larger sentence, then it should be placed outside of the quotation marks. Remember, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when a quote is interrupted by an attribution or action.