Statement Followed by a Related Question (Different Subject/Verb)
The Question Mark
Rulebase Summary
When a statement is followed by a related question that does not repeat the same subject and verb as the statement, treat them as two separate sentences: end the statement with a period and the question with a question mark.
Common patterns include 'Isn't that so?', 'Isn't that correct?', 'Right?', 'Correct?' A semicolon may also be used between the two clauses when both are independent.
Some writers use a comma before one-word follow-up questions like 'right?' — an emerging style that is gaining acceptance.
Examples
A. I was there the whole time, isn't that correct.
A. I was there the whole time. Isn't that correct?
Statement and question are separate sentences.
Q. You left at noon, right.
Q. You left at noon. Right?
"Right?" is a separate question — period before, ? after.
Style Guides Disagree
When a statement is followed by a one-word confirmation like 'right?' or 'correct?', the guides disagree on what separates them. Morson's prefers a period to create two sentences (You were there. Right?), with a semicolon or comma as acceptable alternatives. BGGP prefers a semicolon (You were there; right?). Gregg's prefers a comma (You were there, right?) but accepts a period or semicolon. Follow your reporter's preference.
Transcript Notes
This pattern is extremely common in cross-examination. Lawyers frequently make a statement and follow it with a confirmation question using a different subject/verb structure.
Style Guide References (6)
Morson's
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP