When should a writer use a question mark?
When should a writer use a question mark?
Question marks in formal and informal writing Question marks are used in both formal and non-formal writing and in cases where direct and indirect questions are being asked. They are one of the few pieces of punctuation that indicate only one thing.
How are you is a greeting not a question?
Unlike a rhetorical question, which you are not supposed to answer, “How are you?” is a question you are supposed to answer only one way: “Fine!” Or “Good!” or “Great!” or “Excellent!” or “Well!” if you are a stickler for adverbs. In fact, if you actually answer the question, it’s viewed as a serious faux pas.
Do you put a question mark after hello?
The answer to your question is that both are just fine, depending on your intent. If you mean for “hello” to be read as an exclamation, use an exclamation point.
Should I use question marks in text?
When a question mark follows a quoted text, put it before the closing quotation mark if it applies just to the quoted text. Put the question mark outside the closing quotation mark if it applies to the entire sentence.
Does a question mark end a sentence?
Rule: The question mark ends the sentence; no additional period.
What to say instead of how are you?
Below, some alternatives to the generic “how are you” that are more likely to elicit a candid answer.
- How are you today?
- How are you holding up?
- I’ve been thinking about you lately. How are you doing?
- What’s been on your mind recently?
- Is there any type of support you need right now?
- Are you anxious about anything?
What can I say instead of hey how are you?
Cool Ways to Say Hi to Someone
- How are you doing?
- How have you been?
- What’s sizzling?
- How do you do?
- Howdy! (This is actually an informal greeting that is short for “How do you do?”)
- What’s going on?
- What’s new?
- Whazzup? (Just a word play on the regular “What’s up?” greeting.)
Is it rude to say hi with a question mark?
Sometimes people say hello as a question when answering the phone if they don’t know who’s calling. It’s a bit rude, to be honest.
What punctuation mark is used after hello?
Do use a comma after the words like “Hello,” “Hi,” or “Good morning.”
What does 3 question marks mean in texting?
Two question marks indicate a much more questiony question. Three is for really, really, REALLY questiony questions. More than three is a mistake.
When do you use a question mark in a question?
Question marks are used in direct questions, i.e. when the actual words of a speaker are used. A reported question should end with a full stop. The lady said, ‘Where are you going?’
Do you put a question mark at the end of an indirect question?
Be careful not to put a question mark at the end of an indirect question. The instructor asked the students what they were doing. I asked my sister if she had a date. I wonder if Cheney will run for vice president again. I wonder whether Cheney will run again.
When to capitalize the word after a question mark?
Rule 2b. Because of Rule 2a, capitalize the word that follows a question mark. Some writers choose to overlook this rule in special cases. Example: Will you go with me? with Joe? with anyone? Rule 3a. Avoid the common trap of using question marks with indirect questions, which are statements that contain questions.
Where did the punctuation mark come from and why?
The punctuation mark (?), when you stop to think about it, is an oddly shaped mark, and its origins and early history are not entirely clear. One theory is that it evolved from an early musical notation device intended to represent a rising tone. (?) Question Mark
When to put a question mark at the end of a question?
Use a question mark at the end of a direct question. Direct questions often start with words such as “where,” “what,” “why,” “who,” or “how.” Anytime you ask a straightforward, direct question, put a question mark at the end as the form of punctuation. Some examples of direction questions are:
Can you use multiple question marks in a sentence?
Interrobangs, multiple question marks, and combinations of question marks and exclamation points might be fine for casual writing, but in formal writing, it’s best to limit yourself to just a plain old question mark. Sometimes, you can make the choice easy with just a little rewriting:
When do you capitalize the word after a question mark?
Capitalize the word that immediately follows a question mark. A question mark is used similarly to a period, meaning that it shows the end of a sentence. Whenever you use a question mark, even if it’s in the middle of a sentence, always capitalize the word that comes right after it.
Do you use question mark and exclamation mark together?
As such, using the question mark and exclamation mark together on occasion is a valuable option; a more stylish option would of course be more favourable, but doesn’t always spring to mind. – Edwin Ashworth Oct 11 ’16 at 8:49 I guess it depends on what you want to say.
