Question Marks And Quotation Marks
This issue just reared its ugly head while I was commenting on another blog (a momentary, but much needed diversion from an overly busy work schedule).
Here is how I was taught you should punctuate a question that includes a quotation:
Why the fuck did you call me an "asshole?"
Well, I think that sucks! It's awkward-looking and stupid, in my humble opinion. I would prefer:
Why the fuck did you call me an "asshole"?
I refuse to put the question mark inside the quotation marks, unless I'm quoting a question.
I'm a fucking grammar rebel.
Here is how I was taught you should punctuate a question that includes a quotation:
Why the fuck did you call me an "asshole?"
Well, I think that sucks! It's awkward-looking and stupid, in my humble opinion. I would prefer:
Why the fuck did you call me an "asshole"?
I refuse to put the question mark inside the quotation marks, unless I'm quoting a question.
I'm a fucking grammar rebel.
Labels: grammar
posted by haahnster at 9:59 AM
7 Comments:
Right on! I always thought that looked akward, too. It makes it look like someone called you an asshole, but with a questioning inflection. Asshole?
The question mark goes inside the closing quotation mark if it's part of the quoted material:
While chatting up Haahnster, Neil asked, "Do you rock?"
TThe question mark goes outside the closing quotation mark if it's not part of the quoted material:
Did you hear Neil say "You rawk, Haahnster."?
Signed,
"Another" blog
I can't believe that each day I get to read a grammer rebel and a grammer professional's blogs.
I'm the luckiest boy in the world!
You are livin' La Vida Loca, aren't you, Kennedy?
OK, so Jeremy and I aren't rebels. We just forgot the distinction Beth listed here. So, in effect, by following my preference (and thinking I was a rebel), I was actually getting it right. Cool.
PS - I only went with "another blog" due to time limitations. I had already depleted my "free" time being clever in your comments section.
KK: You one lucky-@ss mo-fo.
Did they change the rules?? Ok, I'm reaching for Strunk...
I so agree with you on that one!
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