question mark
B1Formal, Informal, Technical (grammar/writing).
Definition
Meaning
The punctuation symbol (?) placed at the end of a sentence to indicate a direct question.
A thing that causes uncertainty, doubt, or an unanswered problem; something unknown or unresolved.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The extended metaphorical meaning (something uncertain) is common in journalism and general discourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage of the punctuation symbol. The metaphorical usage is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the symbol denotes interrogation. Metaphorically, it connotes doubt, mystery, or an unresolved issue.
Frequency
Core meaning is high frequency. Metaphorical usage is medium-high, common in news and analytical writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
put/place a question mark over [something][something] is a question mark[something] remains a question markVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put a question mark over something”
- “a question mark hangs over someone/something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to discuss risks or uncertainties in plans, e.g., 'The funding puts a question mark over the project.'
Academic
Used in linguistics/writing studies for the punctuation mark; metaphorically in critiques to denote unresolved issues.
Everyday
Referring to the punctuation; also used conversationally, e.g., 'His honesty is a big question mark.'
Technical
In computing/programming, often called a 'query symbol' or part of regex syntax.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They questioned the decision.
- The journalist was questioned mark by mark.
American English
- Authorities questioned the suspect.
- He questioned every mark on the paper.
adverb
British English
- He looked at her questioningly.
- She raised her eyebrow questioningly.
American English
- He nodded questioningly.
- She tilted her head questioningly.
adjective
British English
- It was a questionable decision.
- The document had questionable marks.
American English
- That's a questionable strategy.
- Her motives are questionable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Write a question mark at the end.
- Is this your book? Don't forget the question mark.
- The weather for the picnic is still a question mark.
- Her sentence ended with a question mark.
- The latest data puts a serious question mark over the original hypothesis.
- A major question mark remains about their long-term funding.
- The ethical implications of the technology constitute the foremost question mark in the debate.
- His entire legacy now hangs under a formidable question mark.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a shepherd's crook hooking an answer – the shape of '?' looks like a hook trying to catch information.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNCERTAINTY IS AN UNANSWERED QUESTION / A MYSTERIOUS OBJECT IS A PUNCTUATION MARK.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate the metaphorical use literally as 'вопрос знак' in isolation; use 'вопрос' or 'неясность'.
- Avoid using 'знак вопроса' for the abstract uncertainty where it would sound like a literal punctuation mark.
Common Mistakes
- Writing 'questionmark' as one word (incorrect).
- Using in place of 'exclamation mark' for surprised questions.
- Overusing the metaphorical sense in informal contexts where 'doubt' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'question mark' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is always two words: 'question mark'.
No, 'question mark' is a noun. The related verb is 'to question'.
The symbol is the same (?), but Spanish also uses an inverted question mark (¿) at the beginning of a question.
Use it to describe an element of doubt or uncertainty about something, e.g., 'The team's form is the biggest question mark ahead of the final.'