643. Stop Punctuation – The Question Mark

Stop punctuation is a punctuation mark used at the end of a sentence to show that you are stopping – or ending – the thought. A question mark (?) is a form of stop punctuation. Use a question mark at the end of a sentence that asks a question.

Did you stop at the grocery store?
Do you have enough money?
Can you open that door by yourself?
Will there be many people at the party?
When are they arriving?
Should I come a little early to help you?
Who is ringing the doorbell?
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Where did you park the car?

Each of these sentences asks a question that requires an answer. Each of these asking sentences uses a question mark at the end as a form of stop punctuation.

Always use a question mark as stop punctuation at the end of an asking sentence.

▶Now you try it. Which of these two sentences is an asking sentence that requires a question mark as stop punctuation? John went to the library or Can you drive him home Did you decide that the second sentence needs a question mark at the end? Good for you!