Yes, a question mark can be used in the middle of a sentence, although its placement is less common than at the end.
Understanding Question Mark Placement
Typically, a question mark (?) signals the end of a direct question and is followed by a capital letter to start the next sentence. For example: Are you coming to the meeting? We need to discuss the budget.
However, there are specific circumstances where a question mark might appear within a sentence structure.
When a Question Mark Appears Mid-Sentence
According to the provided reference, a question mark can be used in the middle of a sentence. When this occurs, it dictates the punctuation and capitalization that follows it:
- Followed by a lowercase letter: If the sentence continues after the question mark within the same grammatical structure.
- Followed by another punctuation mark: Such as an en dash (–), em dash (—), comma (,), or closing parenthesis, especially in cases of parenthetical questions or interruptions.
This usage often occurs in contexts like:
- Direct Quotes: When a question is quoted mid-sentence.
- Parenthetical Questions: Questions inserted within another sentence.
- Elliptical or Rhetorical Questions: Sometimes used stylistically mid-sentence.
Examples of Mid-Sentence Question Marks
Here are examples illustrating how a question mark can be used in the middle of a sentence, followed by either a lowercase letter or another punctuation mark as described in the reference:
- Followed by a lowercase letter:
- He asked, "Where are you going?" and didn't wait for a response. (Here, "and" starts with lowercase).
- Followed by another punctuation mark (like an en dash or em dash):
- The key question – is this feasible? – remained unanswered. (Followed by an en dash).
- She wondered aloud, "What should I do?" — a thought that plagued her all day. (Followed by an em dash).
- His response to the simple question, "Why?" was a long silence. (Followed by a comma ending the quote).
- We discussed the plan (or lack thereof?), and decided to postpone. (Followed by a closing parenthesis).
Summary of Usage Rules
Understanding the rules helps ensure clarity and grammatical correctness when using a question mark mid-sentence.
Placement | What Precedes It? | What Follows It? | Common Contexts |
---|---|---|---|
End of Sentence | End of a direct question | Capital letter (start of next sentence) | Standard questions |
Middle of Sentence | End of a quoted question or parenthetical question | Lowercase letter or another punctuation mark (like –, —, ,, )) | Direct quotes, parenthetical questions |
Practical Insights
While grammatically permissible in specific structures, using question marks mid-sentence should be done judiciously to avoid confusing the reader. It is most common and clearest when enclosing a direct quote that is a question or when posing a question within parentheses or set off by dashes. Excessive or unclear use can disrupt flow and readability.