question mark
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A punctuation symbol (?) used at the end of a written sentence to show that it is a direct question.
- A state of uncertainty or doubt about something, often used metaphorically.
Usage
- The primary function of a question mark is to terminate an interrogative sentence.
- It is not used for indirect questions.
- In metaphorical use, it represents an unknown factor or something that is uncertain.
Examples
- As punctuation:
- What is your name?
- Are we leaving tomorrow?
- Metaphorical use (uncertainty):
- His true intentions remain a question mark.
- There's a big question mark over the future of the project.
Advanced Usage
- In titles: Sometimes used within parentheses in titles or headlines to indicate a query or doubt about a statement (e.g., ).
- In computing: In some programming languages and search patterns, the question mark is a special character with specific functions (e.g., a wildcard or ternary operator).
Variants and Related Words
- Interrogation point: A less common, formal synonym for the punctuation mark.
- Query: A question or the act of asking; related in meaning but not a punctuation mark.
Synonyms
- Interrogation mark (formal)
- Query symbol (technical)
Idioms and Phrases
- A question mark over/hanging over something: A state of doubt concerning the success, truth, or existence of something.
- There is a serious question mark over the company's financial stability.
- Put a question mark against something: To raise doubts about something.
- The new evidence puts a question mark against his alibi.
Noun
- a punctuation mark (?) placed at the end of a sentence to indicate a question