Basic Rules for Using Question Marks
1. Use the question mark when posing a direct query in an interrogative sentence. This denotes that the speaker is seeking information.
Are there any letters for me this morning?
When did you finish writing that report?
2. Use the question mark to turn a statement into a question. This denotes that the speaker is assuming or hoping for a certain reply.
You promise to finish going through these invoices?
She didn't actually quit her job?
3. Use the question mark in statements ending with a word inflected as a query and with question tags.
Just leave these papers on my desk, OK?
So you got a promotion, eh?
You found those documents, didn't you?
4. Use the question mark after a direct question which is inserted into a statement. If the question comes at the end, separate it with a comma. Capitalisation of the question after the comma is used for extreme emphasis but is rarely recommended.
Her boss wondered, Was she really doing her job the best she could? [Question capitalised for
extreme emphasis]
The question was, was she really doing the best she could? [Question not capitalised – recommended]
5.If the inserted question comes in the beginning, put the question mark in the middle but do not capitalise the word following it.
Was she really doing her job the best she could? Her boss wondered.
Was she really doing the best she could? was the question.
6.When writing a series of questions, use a question mark for each item, even if items are not complete sentences. Capitalisation of the question items is optional so be consistent with whatever option you choose.
The board members had to decide on a new course of action for the company. Expand? Sell out?
Consider new financial reforms?