Even when said as one thought with NO pause and NO change of the timbre of the voice, this construction takes two question marks. …Were your car windows open? Do you remember? …Was your radio on? Do you know? Reversing the subject and verb in English is the indication that there is a question. These are questions — …
Put the Question Mark Where the Question Is First Asked
We need a rule to cover all of the things attorneys do after they ask that basic question. This is the pattern that came up in four different questions on FB. …Do you know where he is right now? because that is going to make a difference. …Do you want to take a break right now? because we are starting …
“Do you know?” and Others
When a question like “Do you know?” or “Do you recall?” is tacked on at the end of another question, use an interrog for both questions. …How close were you to the edge of the road? Do you know? …What time was it that he arrived? Do you remember? …Where was he stationed? Do you recall? Happy punctuating! Margie
A “Redefining” with “That Is”
Here is a punctuation question from FB that inspired today’s blog: “On examination her lower extremities had normal capillary refill — that is, normal circulation — and no trophic changes, in other words, none of the signs of RSD.” Often people want to redefine or further explain what they have just said. We will deal here with this situation when …