When writing a sentence containing a question and a quotation, many people wonder whether the quotation should come before or after the question mark. This is a common issue that can cause confusion, but fear not - we are here to help you understand the correct usage.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
When writing a sentence containing a question and a quotation, many people wonder whether the quotation should come before or after the question mark. This is a common issue that can cause confusion, but fear not - we are here to help you understand the correct usage.
The General Rule
The general rule of thumb is that if the quotation is a complete sentence, it should come before the question mark. For example:
"Why did you do that?" asked John.
In this case, the quotation is a complete sentence, so it comes before the question mark.
On the other hand, if the quotation is not a complete sentence, it should come after the question mark. For example:
Did John say, "I'll be there soon"?
In this case, the quotation is not a complete sentence, so it comes after the question mark.
Exceptions to the Rule
As with many rules in the English language, there are exceptions to this general rule. One such exception is when the question mark is not part of the original quotation, but is added by the author for clarity.
For example:
Jane asked, "Are you coming to the party?"
In this case, the question mark is not part of the original quotation, but is added by the author to indicate that Jane is asking a question.
Question and Answer
Q: What should I do if the quotation is a question?
A: If the quotation is a question, it should come before the question mark.
Q: What if the quotation is not a complete sentence?
A: If the quotation is not a complete sentence, it should come after the question mark.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the rule?
A: Yes, if the question mark is not part of the original quotation, but is added by the author, it should come after the quotation.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the general rule for placing quotations before or after a question mark, you can confidently write your sentences without any confusion. Remember, if the quotation is a complete sentence, it should come before the question mark, and if it is not a complete sentence, it should come after the question mark. If you come across any exceptions, just remember that clarity is key, and make the necessary adjustments to ensure your writing is easily understood.
