Put a question mark at the end. What does an inverted question mark mean? When you don't have to put a question mark

Question mark inverted vertically and horizontally by 180

As a rule, you can hardly find an inverted question mark in the Russian language. But in Spanish this sign is important. It is used at the beginning of a sentence and serves as an addition to the main question mark, which, as in all other languages, is placed traditionally. Or it may have nothing to do with the main question mark at all, since intonation in Spanish can change. And the first few words in a sentence may be called into question. Also, an inverted question mark can be used not only at the beginning or end of sentences, but also in the middle of a sentence. Immediately before the question word.

Where is an inverted question mark used?

1. An inverted question mark is used in Microsoft Windows operating systems, since the use of a traditional question mark is prohibited there.
2. A question mark turned 180 degrees horizontally (the curl is turned in the opposite direction) is used in Arabic.
3. A vertically inverted question mark (i.e., the dot is at the top and the hook is at the bottom) is used in Greek and Church Slavonic.

Perhaps it would be possible to use a question mark upside down in our language as not a question mark, but rather an affirmative one and meaning that this is an answer to some question. But! Why additional rules in Russian?

How to write an inverted question mark

Writing it in any file is as easy as shelling pears. Yes, it's not on the keyboard, but that's not a problem. There is a keystroke combination to write a sign. You must press the ALT key and, while holding it, enter the combination of numbers 0191. In this case, the language should be switched to English.

We all know that a question mark is placed at the end of a sentence and expresses doubt or question. But not everyone knows that this punctuation mark comes from two Latin letters “q” and “o” (these are the first and last letters of the Latin word “quæstio”, which means “search” or “question”).

Previously, such an abbreviation (qo) was used to end a question sentence, and later it was replaced by a ligature in the form of a question mark. Originally, the letter "q" was written above the "o". Later, such writing turned into the modern style known to us.

In most languages, a question mark is placed exclusively at the end of a sentence. But in Spanish, question marks and exclamation marks (“¡!” and “¿?”) are placed at the beginning and end of a sentence. In this case, the inverted sign stands before the sentence, and the ordinary sign at the end. For example: “¿Cómo estás?” (Spanish).

The Spanish language has long used one question mark. It was only after 1754, when the Royal Academy of Languages published the second edition of Spelling, that question marks began to begin and end interrogative sentences. The same goes for the exclamation mark.

This rule did not immediately find wide application. In the 19th century, there are still texts where there are no question marks and exclamation marks inverted at the beginning of sentences. But the syntax of the Spanish language is considered peculiar, and sometimes it is difficult to determine in which part of a complex phrase the interrogative part begins. Therefore, over time, all texts began to include two question marks and exclamation marks in sentences.

For quite a long time in the Spanish language, inverted signs were used only in long sentences in order to avoid their false interpretation. But in short and simple questions they put only one question mark at the end of the sentence.

Modern Spanish is heavily influenced by English. Today, this language is increasingly limited to just one question mark. This trend can be observed especially clearly on forums on the Internet.

As for the Russian language, until the end of the 15th century, all texts were written either without spaces between words, or were divided into unbroken segments. The period in Russian writing appeared in the 1480s, and the comma in the 1520s. The semicolon appeared later and was used as a question mark. Even later, question marks and exclamation marks began to be used. The dash was first used in his texts by N. Karamzin, and by the end of the 18th century. this punctuation mark began to be used more actively.

Anyone who is familiar with Old Russian writings knows that they were created in a continuous “letter” of words without intervals, especially since there were no punctuation marks in them. Only towards the end of the 15th century did a period appear in the texts, at the beginning of the next century a comma joined it, and even later a question mark was “written” on the pages of manuscripts. It is noteworthy that until this moment, its role was played by the semicolon for some time. Following the interrogative, he was not slow to appear and

The symbol comes from the Latin word quaestio, which translates as “search for an answer.” To depict the sign, the letters q and o were used, which were first depicted on the letter, one above the other. Over time, the graphic appearance of the sign took on the appearance of an elegant curl with a dot at the bottom.

What does a question mark mean?

Russian linguist Fyodor Buslaev argued that punctuation (the science of) has two tasks - to help a person express his thoughts clearly, separating sentences, as well as its parts from each other, and to express emotions. The question mark serves these purposes, among others.

Of course, the very first thing this symbol means is a question. In it is expressed by the corresponding intonation, which is called interrogative. Another question mark can mean bewilderment or doubt. Sentences with sometimes express which is called a rhetorical question. It is asked not for the purpose of asking, but in order to express admiration, indignation and similar strong feelings, as well as to encourage the listener, reader to comprehend a particular event. The answer to the rhetorical question is given by the author himself. When accompanied by an exclamation mark, a question mark conveys the meaning of extreme surprise.

Where to put it if you need to express a question

Where in Russian sentences do they put a question mark? The symbol is usually located at the end of the sentence, but not only. Let's consider each case in more detail.

A question mark is found at the end of a simple sentence expressing a question. ( For example: What are you looking for here? Why does water turn into ice?)
A question mark is placed inside an interrogative sentence when listing homogeneous members. ( For example: What should I cook for you - soup? roast? turkey?)
In complex sentences, this sign is placed at the end even if all its parts contain a question, even if only the last part of the sentence contains it. ( For example: 1. How long should I wait for the call, or will my turn come soon? 2. He laughed sincerely, and who would remain indifferent to such a joke?)
The question mark is placed at the end:
1. When the question contains both a main clause and a subordinate clause. ( For example: Do you know what surprises happen on hikes?)
2. When it is contained only in the main clause. ( For example: Don’t we really want there to be peace?)
3. If the question is contained in a subordinate clause. ( For example: Various bold thoughts overwhelmed his inflamed mind, although could this at least help his sister in any way?)
In a non-union sentence, a question mark is placed at the end:
1. If the question contains all its parts. ( For example: Where should I go, where should I seek shelter, who will extend a friendly hand to me?)
2. If the question contains only the last part of it. ( For example: Be honest with me: how long do I have left to live?)

Where to put a question mark if you need to express doubt

When indicating doubt, suspicion, reflection, a question mark is placed in the middle of the sentence and enclosed in brackets: Some people in robes, prisoners or workers(?) came and sat around the fire.

When you don't have to put a question mark

In a complex sentence in which the subordinate clause sounds like a question mark, it is not used. ( For example: I didn’t tell him why I hadn’t read this book.) However, if the interrogative intonation is too strong, then a sentence with an indirect question can be crowned with this sign. ( Example: I can’t figure out how to solve this problem? They persistently asked how I became a millionaire?)

Figurative meaning

Sometimes the question symbol is mentioned in speech for an allegorical purpose, wanting to express something mysterious, incomprehensible, hidden. In this case, the phrase “question mark” sounds like a metaphor. ( For example: Those events forever remained for me an unresolved mystery, a question mark, some kind of vivid but confusing dream.)

Question mark somersaults

There are languages in which this symbol is turned upside down. For example, in Greek and Old Church Slavonic (used by the Orthodox Church) it is written with a hook down and a dot up. In Spanish, the sign at the end of a question sentence is complemented by its inverted “twin.” Turned in a curl in the opposite direction, it decorates Arabic texts. The programming language also turned the question mark upside down.

Is it necessary question mark at the end of the sentence “Ask your mom, she knows this person*”

To convey interrogative intonation, it can be put question mark. But it's better to rephrase: Ask your mom if she knows this person.


	Question No. 299250

Good afternoon Tell me how to correctly format the title “Did you know that...” - is it necessary? question mark?