The mark of punctuation that follows an indirect question is a period.
Understanding Indirect Questions
Unlike direct questions, which ask something directly and end with a question mark, indirect questions report a question within a sentence. They are typically introduced by phrases like "I wonder," "He asked," "She wanted to know," etc.
According to grammatical rules, as noted in the provided reference, a key difference between direct and indirect questions lies in their punctuation:
- Direct questions end with a question mark (?).
- Indirect questions end with a period (.).
This distinction is crucial for proper sentence structure and clarity in writing.
Direct vs. Indirect Question Punctuation
Here's a simple comparison illustrating the punctuation difference:
| Type of Question | Punctuation Mark | Example (from reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Question | Question Mark (?) | What is she doing tonight? |
| Indirect Question | Period (.) | (Based on reference) I wonder what she is doing tonight. |
The reference explicitly states, "The question mark is used at the end of a direct question. Indirect questions take a period."
Examples of Indirect Questions
Below are more examples demonstrating the use of a period after an indirect question:
- She asked me what time it was.
- He wanted to know if I was coming to the party.
- I wondered why the store was closed so early.
- They inquired about how long the project would take.
Notice that even though the embedded clause contains question words (like what, if, why, how), the entire sentence functions as a statement reporting a question, hence ending with a period.
Mastering the punctuation of indirect questions enhances the professionalism and accuracy of your writing. Always remember that while direct questions seek an immediate answer and use a question mark, indirect questions are part of a larger statement and appropriately conclude with a period.
