Question Marks in a Series of Connected Questions
The Question Mark
Rulebase Summary
When a single sentence contains a series of connected questions with no conjunction (and/or) joining them, place a question mark after each item in the series. Do not capitalize after the question marks unless the word is a proper noun.
However, if a conjunction joins the final item (or all items), use commas between items and a single question mark at the end.
If each question in the series is a separate complete sentence, capitalize each and end each with its own question mark. When the series items are not parallel to the introductory element, use a dash before the series to prevent misreading.
Examples
Q. Did you see the car, the driver, the passengers.
Q. Did you see the car? the driver? the passengers?
Series of questions — question mark after each, no capitals.
Q. Was it Monday? Or Tuesday? Or Wednesday?
Q. Was it Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday?
Conjunction joins items — commas between, one ? at end.
Transcript Notes
Pay close attention to whether the lawyer uses conjunctions. 'Was he loyal? trustworthy? honorable?' (no conjunction — question mark after each) vs. 'Was he loyal, trustworthy, and honorable?' (conjunction present — single question mark at end). This distinction reflects how lawyers deliberately structure questions.
Style Guide References (4)
Morson's
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP