Where To Put A Question Mark After A Quote
Quoting someone in your writing can add credibility and interest to your work. However, knowing where to place punctuation marks can be tricky, especially when it comes to question marks. In this article, we will explore the proper placement of question marks after a quote.
What is a Question Mark?
A question mark is a punctuation mark used at the end of a sentence to indicate a question. It is a curved symbol that resembles a hook, and it is placed after the last word of the sentence.
Using Quotes in Your Writing
When you are quoting someone in your writing, you should use quotation marks to indicate the exact words that were spoken or written. Quotation marks come in pairs and are placed before and after the quoted material. They are used to distinguish the quoted material from the rest of your writing.
Where to Place the Question Mark
The placement of the question mark after a quote depends on whether the quote is a question or a statement. If the quote is a question, the question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks. For example:
"What time is it?" asked John.
If the quote is a statement, the question mark should be placed outside the quotation marks. For example:
John asked, "What time is it?"
Examples
Here are some more examples to illustrate the proper placement of question marks after quotes:
"Do you want to go to the movies?" asked Sarah.
Sarah asked, "Do you want to go to the movies?"
"I love pizza," said Tom.
Tom said, "I love pizza."
Conclusion
Knowing where to place a question mark after a quote is important for clear and effective writing. Remember, if the quote is a question, the question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks. If the quote is a statement, the question mark should be placed outside the quotation marks. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and easy to read.