Comma After Question Mark

by | Nov 28, 2024 | English Punctuation | 0 comments

Punctuation marks are like signals for the reader and tell the readers where to pause and stop. Also, we use punctuation marks to express emotions and feelings with the help of these punctuation marks. However, some punctuation marks are rarely used and a comma after the question mark is one of them.

In this article, you will learn what comma after question mark is, when to use it and when not to use. Also you will find examples where comma after question mark is commonly used. 

Comma after Question Mark

The comma after question mark means that when a comma is placed in a sentence after question. A question mark is a punctuation mark that ends a sentence. However, placing a comma after question mark is rarely used in English. 

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For example:

  • “Did you finish your homework?,” she asked.

 Here, the sentence is part of a dilogue and followed by speech tag, therefore we use the comma after quetion mark.

When to Use Comma After Question Mark

The comma after question mark is mostly used in dialogues or quotations when a question is followed by a speech tag.

1. In Dialogues

Usually, we place comma in a sentence when a sentence ends in question mark and it is followed by a speech tag. 

For example:

  • “Where are you going?,” he asked.

2. In Quotations

If the question is part of quote, and a speech tag follows, then we place comma with question mark to better understanding and clarity of the sentence. 

For example:

  • “Can you believe it?.” said Sara.

3. When Both Punctuation Marks are Required

Another situation could be when both marks are required in writing such as creative writing. These situations are rare. However, we place a comma after the question mark in such situations.

When Not to Use a Comma After Question Mark

In English grammar, the rule is that a comma is not placed after question mark. However, some cases we use comma after question mark as we discussed earlier. So, here are the situation when you should not use comma after question mark.

1. Standalone Questions

A question mark is used when a question sentence ends. Therefore, we do not need to place comma after a standalone question sentence. 

For example:

  • Did you see the movie?

2. When No Speech Tag Follows

If there is no speech tag, we do not need to place comma after question mark. 

For example:

  • Is it raining?

3. Formal Writing

In formal writing such as academic writing, we do not use a comma after question mark unless the question sentence is part of a dialogue or a quotation.

Examples of Comma After Question Mark in Writing

  • “What time is it?,” she inquired.
  • “Are you ready?,” asked John with a smile
  • “Can I help you?,” the shopkeeper said politely.

Conclusion

Using a comma after the question mark is mostly used in dialogues or quotation marks. however, the comma after the question mark is a rare punctuation mark because it is not used in formal writing such as academic writing. 

FAQs about Comma After Question Mark

What does it mean by comma after question mark?

A comma after a question mark is a type of punctuation where we place a comma right after the question mark. Though it is rarely used, however, it is used by some writers when a sentence is a part of a dialogue and followed by a speech tag.

Can I use a comma after a standalone question mark?

No. Becuase standalone question are comlete sentences and they do not require comma after questions mark. 

Why do some writers use a comma after a question mark?

The comma after question mark is mostly used in dialogues when a a sentence is apart of a diolguue and is followed by a speech tag. Therefore, some writers use this punctuation in their writing to make it clear for their readers.

I hope this article helped you to learn what the comma after question mark is and why it is used by some writers. 

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