Writing · Free lesson
Question mark or period? Check the whole sentence
A sentence can mention a question without asking the reader one. Its final mark shows what the whole sentence is doing.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
Ask directly: “When does the store close?” Report the question: “She asked when the store closes.” The word when alone does not decide the punctuation.
Direct question → ? Statement → .
When does the store close? asks for information. She asked when the store closes. tells us what she asked. I don’t know when the store closes. states a lack of knowledge. Both statements use a period. But Can you tell me when the store closes? is a question to the reader, so it uses a question mark.
Compare the examples
Where is the entrance?
He asked where the entrance is.
Could you tell me where the entrance is?
Use one final question mark, without adding a period after it. Standard English does not use the opening Spanish mark ¿.
Build the meaning step by step
See the whole sentence
She asked when the store closes
Identify its job
She asked
Finish the statement
She asked when the store closes.
Try it now
Choose the final punctuation
Read all answers and explanations
Which version correctly asks for the time?
What time is it?A direct question ends with ?. Do not add a period after it.
Keep this as a statement reporting a question.
I asked where the bus stops.I asked reports what happened; it does not ask the reader where the bus stops.
Which version correctly asks the reader for information?
Can you tell me when it starts?Can you tell me makes the whole sentence a question, even though it contains when it starts.
Put it into practice
Fix the two endings
Keep the first sentence as a statement and the second as a direct question. Change only their final marks.
I wonder where the tickets are? Have you seen them.
See a model answer
I wonder where the tickets are. Have you seen them?
The words stay the same; the endings now match each sentence’s function.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Does every sentence with where need a question mark?
No. A statement can contain where and still end with a period.
I know where the library is.
What is a period?
Period is the American English name for the final dot in a statement. In British English it is called a full stop.
The library is open.
Take it into your day
Punctuate the whole sentence, not just the question inside it.
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