Question Mark Mid-Sentence with an Added-On Expression
The Question Mark
Rulebase Summary
Place a question mark within a sentence (not at the end) when an added-on expression following the question is not itself part of the question, or when the entire question serves as the subject or object of the verb. The word after the mid-sentence question mark is not capitalized (unless it's a proper noun or 'I'). Be careful: moving the question mark to the end of the sentence can change the meaning entirely, because it changes which words are part of the question.
Examples
Q. Where were you going, if I may ask.
Q. Where were you going? if I may ask.
Question mark after the question, not at sentence end.
Q. What did he say? was the first thing the detective asked.
Q. What did he say? was the first thing the detective asked.
No capital after mid-sentence question mark.
Transcript Notes
Only the reporter who hears the exchange can determine with certainty where the question mark belongs. The placement of the question mark changes the meaning — compare 'Are you willing to fight for your life? because I want to help you' (two separate ideas) vs. 'Are you willing to fight for your life because I want to help you?' (one question asking about the reason). Do not use quotation marks around thoughts.
Style Guide References (3)
Morson's
BGGP
BGGP