The question mark

Use the question mark at the end of all direct questions.

Test your knowledge
Examples
  • What is your name?
  • Do you speak Italian?
  • You're spanish, aren't you?

Do not use a question mark for reported questions

Examples
  • He asked me what my name was.
  • She asked if I was Spanish.
  • Ask them where they are going.

Long questions still need question marks

Examples
  • Isn't it true that global warming is responsible for more and more problems which are having a disastrous effect on the world's climate and leading to many millions of people in countries that can least afford it having to contend with more and more hardship?
  • Why is it that even though you are unkind to me, ignore me when I ask you for help, and consistently forget to thank me when I do favors for you, you still claim to want me to be your friend and appear surprised when I prefer to hang out with other people?

Question marks can sometimes appear within sentences

Examples
  • There is cause for concern (isn't there?) that the current world economic balance is so fragile that it may lead to a global economic downturn.
  • "Why is she here?" asked Henry.
Test your knowledge