Where To Put The Question Mark In A Quote
When writing a quote, it can be confusing to know where to put the question mark. Do you put it inside or outside of the quotation marks? The answer is, it depends.
Direct Quotes
When using a direct quote, meaning you are using the exact words of someone else, the question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks. For example:
"What time is it?" she asked.
The question mark is part of the quote, so it goes inside the quotation marks.
Indirect Quotes
When using an indirect quote, meaning you are paraphrasing what someone else said, the question mark should be placed outside of the quotation marks. For example:
She asked what time it was.
The question mark is not part of the original quote, so it goes outside of the quotation marks.
Quoting a Question
If you are quoting a question that someone else asked, the question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks. For example:
"What time is it?" asked John.
The question mark is part of the question that John asked, so it goes inside the quotation marks.
Quoting a Statement That Includes a Question
If you are quoting a statement that includes a question, the question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks. For example:
She asked me, "Do you know what time it is?"
The question mark is part of the question that she asked, so it goes inside the quotation marks.
Conclusion
Knowing where to put the question mark in a quote can be confusing, but it is important to do so correctly. Remember, if you are using a direct quote, the question mark goes inside the quotation marks. If you are using an indirect quote, the question mark goes outside of the quotation marks. And if you are quoting a question or a statement that includes a question, the question mark goes inside the quotation marks. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your quotes are properly punctuated and easy to read.