The placement of question marks inside or outside quotation marks is a matter of style and depends on the specific style guide being followed. In general, the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook recommends placing question marks and other punctuation marks inside quotation marks if they are part of the quoted material. However, if the question mark is part of the sentence and not part of the quoted material, it should be placed outside the quotation marks. For example:
“Did you say that?” she asked. (AP Style)
She asked, “Did you say that?” (MLA Style)
There are certain benefits to using question marks inside quotation marks. First, doing so can help to avoid confusion about whether the question mark is part of the quotation or not. Second, it can help to create a smoother reading experience for the reader.
Historically, the placement of question marks inside or outside quotation marks has varied depending on the time and place. In the early days of printing, it was more common to place question marks outside quotation marks.
Let’s now transition to the main article topics, which will explore the different style guides and their recommendations for placing question marks inside or outside quotation marks. We will also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each approach, and provide some tips for using question marks correctly in your writing.
