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Punctuation – question mark

Average: 2.7 (45 votes)

We use a question mark after a direct question but not after an indirect question. It is a common mistake to put a question mark after an in direct question.

Indirect questions
Here's a direct question:
‘What do you want?’ she asked.
The indirect question is:
She asked me what I wanted.
Most indirect questions are used in reported speech.

Other indirect questions can be:
I’d love to know what happened last night at the party.
I was wondering why John is always late for work.
If you can call me, please do.
Try to see if he wants to come.

Lesson by Tristan, English teacher at EC Malta English school

Put a full stop or a question mark after each of the following:

  • 1) How are you___



  • 2) How nice to meet you___



  • 3) I wonder how old he is___



  • 4) Where is she from___



  • 5) If I had known, I would have told you___



  • 6) If she comes, where will she sleep___



  • 7) I'd love to know where he is now___



  • 8) I don't know where he works___



  • 9) Are you ready yet___



  • 10) Try to find the cost of the flight___



  • 11) Please could I have another one___



  • 12) I doubt whether that car is in good condition___