When a direct question is embedded within a larger sentence, it is punctuated with a question mark.
Punctuating Embedded Direct Questions
According to punctuation guidelines, when a direct question appears inside another sentence, the embedded question concludes with a question mark. This question mark serves a dual purpose: it marks the end of the direct question and also takes the place of any other punctuation, such as a comma, that would normally follow the question in its position within the larger sentence.
Think of the embedded question as taking precedence for final punctuation at its specific point in the sentence.
Key Rule
- A direct question within a sentence ends with a question mark.
- This question mark replaces other expected punctuation, like a comma.
Examples
Here are a few examples illustrating this rule:
- "Are you coming?" she asked.
- Explanation: The direct question "Are you coming?" is placed at the beginning of the sentence. The question mark ends the question and connects it to the rest of the sentence, replacing a comma that might otherwise be expected after a phrase introducing speech.
- She wondered, "Would they make it on time?"
- Explanation: The direct question "Would they make it on time?" is embedded after the introductory phrase. The question mark concludes the question and replaces the comma that would normally end the introductory clause if what followed wasn't a direct quote or question.
- The thought Should I go now? crossed her mind.
- Explanation: The direct question Should I go now? is integrated directly into the sentence structure. The question mark punctuates the question, and no other punctuation is needed immediately after the question mark before the rest of the sentence continues. Note that italicizing the embedded question or placing it in quotation marks is common for clarity, but the punctuation rule remains the same.
Contrast: Indirect Questions
It's important to distinguish this rule from how indirect questions are punctuated. An indirect question reports a question without using the exact words of the question. Indirect questions do not use a question mark; they end with a period as they function as a statement.
- Direct: She asked, "Are you coming?"
- Indirect: She asked if I was coming. (Note the period)
The rule described here applies specifically to direct questions placed within a larger sentence structure.
