Question Mark Without Question Word Order (Statement Form as Question)
The Question Mark
Rulebase Summary
Use a question mark at the end of a sentence that does not use question word order (verb before subject) when the intent is clearly to ask a question. In depositions and cross-examinations, attorneys frequently use normal subject-verb order while questioning witnesses — for example, 'You were traveling eastbound at the time?' These should be punctuated as questions when context, especially the witness's response, confirms the questioning intent.
This is a judgment call: some reporters punctuate strictly by word order (period for statement structure), while others look to intent. When a witness provides a direct answer, it is safe to treat the utterance as a question.
Examples
Q. You were traveling eastbound at the time.
A. Yes.
Q. You were traveling eastbound at the time?
A. Yes.
The witness answers, confirming this was a question despite statement word order.
Q. The document was signed on March 15th.
A. That's correct.
Q. The document was signed on March 15th?
A. That's correct.
Normal subject-verb order, but the witness's confirmation shows it was a question.
Transcript Notes
This pattern is especially common in cross-examination, where attorneys recite facts and expect the witness to confirm them. When answers are forthcoming, these are functioning as questions. However, when an attorney is building toward a final question by stacking a series of factual statements, the lead-up statements may take periods while only the culminating question takes a question mark.
Style Guide References (2)
BGGP
BGGP