Question Mark After a Fragment That Asks a Question
The Question Mark
Rulebase Summary
Use a question mark at the end of a fragment that is asking a question. Fragment questions are extremely common in court testimony — short follow-ups like 'Why?' 'How many?' 'Model?' and 'Before or after?' are complete questions despite lacking full sentence structure. Capitalize them and end them with a question mark.
Examples
A. I called 911.
Q. Why.
A. I called 911.
Q. Why?
Fragment is asking a question — use a question mark.
A. I saw several vehicles.
Q. How many.
A. I saw several vehicles.
Q. How many?
Short follow-up fragment functions as a complete question.
Transcript Notes
These fragment questions appear constantly in depositions and cross-examinations as rapid follow-ups. They should be treated as complete interrogative thoughts. Do not join them to the previous sentence with a comma — they stand on their own.
Style Guide References (1)
BGGP