“Would you like some dessert”? he asked. vs “Would you like some dessert?” he asked.

Both phrases are correct, but the second one is more commonly used and follows the standard punctuation rules for dialogue. The question mark should be inside the quotation marks, and the period should be placed after the closing quotation mark.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 8458 views

“Would you like some dessert”? he asked.

This phrase is correct, but it does not follow the standard punctuation rules for dialogue in English.

In informal writing, such as creative writing or dialogue in a story, this format may be acceptable. However, in formal writing or when following standard punctuation rules, the question mark should be inside the quotation marks.

Show examples from the web [+]

I didn't like dessert 7 years ago. ... I have to tell you, I thought I would never be a manager like her in Canada ... I had to drive around to find some free furniture.
"Would you like something to drink, miss?" He asked holding a notebook and a pen in his hands. ... "Wouldn't you like something for dessert? ... I just wanted to thank you for your thoughtful welcoming gift and talk to you about some papers that ...
"What do you suggest?" he asked. He didn't really care--it wasn't like he could actually eat it. "Well," the girl said, ... "Why don't you give me some of each," Tamani said, not even glancing at the dessert. ... Would you like to get together and do .
Jan 26, 2015 ... he asked. ... Megan told me she gave you directions to Louie's.” ..... Surprised you didn't get on my case about ordering dessert, like you used to.” .... He had some applications out that he was hopeful about, and he would be ...

“Would you like some dessert?” he asked.

This phrase is correct and follows the standard punctuation rules for dialogue in English.

This format is the standard way to punctuate dialogue in English. The question mark should be inside the quotation marks, and the period should be placed after the closing quotation mark.

Show examples from the web [+]

I have to tell you, I thought I would never be a manager like her in Canada . ... " What do you suggest?" he asked. He didn't really care--it wasn't like he ... "Why don't you give me some of each," Tamani said, not even glancing at the dessert.
"would you like some dessert he asked" 3 hits more popular. Examples from the ... Examples from the web: I didn't like dessert 7 years ago. ... I have to tell you, ...
Do you capitalize within quotes? ... They lied when they told us there would be " dessert". ... I would have thought it would have been punctuated like this: ... rule, so when they see how I place some of my punctuation they think it's wrong. ... .... dessert? is part of what he asked and everything he asked is ...
I didn't like dessert 7 years ago. ... I have to tell you, I thought I would never be a manager like her in Canada ... I had to drive around to find some free furniture.

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