The question mark
Use the question mark at the end of all direct questions.
Examples
- What is your name?
- Do you speak Italian?
- You're spanish, aren't you?
Do not use a question mark for reported questions
Examples
- He asked me what my name was.
- She asked if I was Spanish.
- Ask them where they are going.
Long questions still need question marks
Examples
- Isn't it true that global warming is responsible for more and more problems which are having a disastrous effect on the world's climate and leading to many millions of people in countries that can least afford it having to contend with more and more hardship?
- Why is it that even though you are unkind to me, ignore me when I ask you for help, and consistently forget to thank me when I do favors for you, you still claim to want me to be your friend and appear surprised when I prefer to hang out with other people?
Question marks can sometimes appear within sentences
Examples
- There is cause for concern (isn't there?) that the current world economic balance is so fragile that it may lead to a global economic downturn.
- "Why is she here?" asked Henry.