Question Mark When a Question Is Embedded Within a Statement
The Question Mark
Rulebase Summary
When a sentence begins as a statement but contains a question inserted in the middle (set off by commas), end the entire sentence with a question mark. The embedded question is enclosed by a pair of commas within the statement. The overall sentence takes the question mark because it contains an interrogative element.
Morson's Rule 12 · p.9
Examples
✗
A. The question, how did the fire start, was never answered.
✓
A. The question, how did the fire start, was never answered?
Embedded question makes the whole sentence interrogative.
✗
A. The issue, who authorized the payment, remains unclear.
✓
A. The issue, who authorized the payment, remains unclear?
Question inside commas — entire sentence takes a question mark.
Style Guide References (1)
Morson's
Rule 12
Page 9