Question Marks with Quotation Marks

Where Do Questions Marks Go?

Put the question mark inside ending quotation marks if the question belongs to the quoted source. Put it outside if the question belongs to the writer.

Inside When the Question Belongs to the Source

The committee asked, rather rhetorically, "Does this rule really apply?" (Question mark that's part of the quotation goes inside. No additional punctuation is necessary to end the sentence.)

Outside When the Question Belongs to the Writer

Did the board really say, "We will consider the rules on charitable contributions"? (Question mark showing the writer's question goes outside.)

 

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