Use Only One End Punctuation Mark with Inner and Outer Quotations
The Quotation Mark
Rulebase Summary
When a sentence ends with both an inner quotation and an outer quotation closing at the same point, use only one mark of end punctuation — not two. Avoid stacking question marks, periods, or other terminal punctuation.
Morson's Rule 110 · p.63
Examples
✗
A. The doctor testified, 'I heard him call his wife and ask, \'Are you willing to have the operation?\'?'
✓
A. The doctor testified, 'I heard him call his wife and ask, \'Are you willing to have the operation?\''
Only one question mark — do not double up the punctuation.
Style Guide References (1)
Morson's
Rule 110
Page 63