Quotation Marks - Direct Question vs. Direct Quotation

Direct Question vs. Direct Quotation

(a.)  Do NOT use quotation marks to set off a direct question at the end of a sentence unless it is also a direct quotation of what was written or spoken.

A direct question is the exact words a speaker uses to get information.  A direct question ends with a question mark.  No quotation marks are used.

Example of direct question:

The question is, How will this action affect mankind?

A direct quotation is the exact words a speaker recalls someone else spoke or wrote.  A direct quotation contains quotation marks.

Examples of direct quotation:

Mr. Smith then asked, “How will this action affect mankind?”

Mr. Smith then said, “The question is, How will this affect mankind?”