Definition

Noun: A punctuation mark (?) used at the end of a sentence to signify that it is a direct question. It is also commonly called a question mark.

Usage

The interrogation point is used exclusively to terminate a direct question. It signals to the reader that the sentence requires an answer or is inquiring about something.

Examples

• She asked, "What time is the meeting?"
• Is this the correct way to the station?
• "You're coming tomorrow, right?" he inquired.

Advanced Usage

• In Quotations: When a question is quoted, the interrogation point is placed inside the closing quotation marks.
  • He said, "Where are you going?"
• Expressing Uncertainty: In informal writing, an interrogation point in parentheses (?) can be used to indicate doubt or uncertainty about a preceding word, fact, or number.
  • The manuscript dates from 1345 (?).
• Rhetorical Questions: It is also used for rhetorical questions, which are asked for effect with no answer expected.
  • Who knows what the future holds?

Variants and Related Words

• Question Mark: The most common and direct synonym for "interrogation point."
• Eroteme: A rare, technical term for the question mark.

Synonyms

• Question mark

Notes

The term "interrogation point" is formal and less common in everyday English than "question mark." It is primarily used in technical or pedagogical contexts concerning punctuation.

Noun

1. a punctuation mark (?) placed at the end of a sentence to indicate a question