When to use a Question mark? - Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums

Stargazer1976 · 5th February 2005, 04:50 AM

I was in the middle of a story and began wondering if it is right to use a question mark when its not an actual question, but rather a thought or statement that has a question like feel to it. I.E like my title for this thread. It could be a statement or a question. Without putting the actual ? there it would come off as a statement.

So is it right to use it when it's more of a question mark in the characters tone or thought than an actual physical question in wording?

Thanks for the help.

Teresa Edgerton · 5th February 2005, 06:34 PM

You use a question mark whenever the sentence itself asks a question. For instance, you don't put a question mark in after a rhetorical question, because an answer is not really wanted. And you wouldn't but one in in a sentence like this one:

George wondered whether he had made a mistake in punctuation.

Because even though George has a question, the sentence itself is a statement of that fact, rather than a query.

On the other hand, in dialogue (internal or external) a sentence that would otherwise be a statement could be turned into a question, complete with question mark, in order to indicate doubt or disbelief.

"Who did it?"
"George did it."
"George did it?"
"Yes."
"George?"

Stargazer1976 · 5th February 2005, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelpie

"Who did it?"
"George did it."
"George did it?"
"Yes."
"George?"

Thanks, this is what I was referring to.

Space Monkey · 8th March 2005, 02:56 PM

I always wondered about the use of question marks in rhetorical questions, like in dialogue:
"Why don't you p1$$ off (?)"

Circus Cranium · 8th March 2005, 03:11 PM

Interesting. I understand that 'actual' usage of question marks, but I pondered what Space Monkey said many times. If I know the character is using the question as a firm exclamation; 'Why don't you piss off!' just looks more right that 'Why don't you piss off?' My editor, however, went through and put question marks there on each occasion that I did that. I think it caused the sentence to lose some power, and changed the voice a bit, but that's just me.

I, Brian · 10th March 2005, 05:44 PM

Definitely reads better with exclamation for question marks when rhetorical.

Leto · 10th March 2005, 09:19 PM

Maybe, but I'm not sure it's the right mark according to the typographical conventions in vigor in every countries (and although it's the same language, as good chance to differ from US to UK to Canada and Australia).

5th February 2005, 04:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
Stargazer1976 Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 92	When to use a Question mark? I was in the middle of a story and began wondering if it is right to use a question mark when its not an actual question, but rather a thought or statement that has a question like feel to it. I.E like my title for this thread. It could be a statement or a question. Without putting the actual ? there it would come off as a statement. So is it right to use it when it's more of a question mark in the characters tone or thought than an actual physical question in wording? Thanks for the help.

5th February 2005, 06:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
Teresa Edgerton Goblin Princess Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,106 Blog Entries: 2	Re: When to use a Question mark? You use a question mark whenever the sentence itself asks a question. For instance, you don't put a question mark in after a rhetorical question, because an answer is not really wanted. And you wouldn't but one in in a sentence like this one: George wondered whether he had made a mistake in punctuation. Because even though George has a question, the sentence itself is a statement of that fact, rather than a query. On the other hand, in dialogue (internal or external) a sentence that would otherwise be a statement could be turned into a question, complete with question mark, in order to indicate doubt or disbelief. "Who did it?" "George did it." "George did it?" "Yes." "George?"

8th March 2005, 02:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
Space Monkey The Ninja Pencil Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 145	Re: When to use a Question mark? I always wondered about the use of question marks in rhetorical questions, like in dialogue: "Why don't you p1$$ off (?)"

8th March 2005, 03:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
Circus Cranium Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 467	Re: When to use a Question mark? Interesting. I understand that 'actual' usage of question marks, but I pondered what Space Monkey said many times. If I know the character is using the question as a firm exclamation; 'Why don't you piss off!' just looks more right that 'Why don't you piss off?' My editor, however, went through and put question marks there on each occasion that I did that. I think it caused the sentence to lose some power, and changed the voice a bit, but that's just me. __________________ http://www.hoaxthenovel.com

10th March 2005, 05:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
I, Brian Admin and Tea-boy Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 5,603 Blog Entries: 1	Re: When to use a Question mark? Definitely reads better with exclamation for question marks when rhetorical.

10th March 2005, 09:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
Leto Outside Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,340	Re: When to use a Question mark? Maybe, but I'm not sure it's the right mark according to the typographical conventions in vigor in every countries (and although it's the same language, as good chance to differ from US to UK to Canada and Australia).

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