Question

Identify the suitable punctuation for the given sentence:
May I know the reason behind this debacle

a) :
b) .
c) ?
d) ,

Answer 1

Hint: In the given sentence, the aim is to get information. In order to get information, one has to use enquiring sentences. These types of sentences have a special punctuation mark.

Complete answer:
To identify the correct punctuation for this sentence, we need to understand the meaning of this sentence. So, let’s deconstruct it.
The sentence begins with the words ‘May I’. It does not start with a subject, it starts with a verb. It goes on to ask a ‘reason behind this debacle’. So, the given sentence is used to obtain information. In order to obtain information, we use interrogative sentences, i.e. questions.

Now, we know the kind of sentence in the given question. Let’s look at the given options:

a) : - This punctuation symbol is called a ‘colon’. A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, a quotation, or a block quotation. It is read with a small pause. However, it is not used at the end of interrogative sentences. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
b) . - This punctuation symbol is called a ‘full stop’. It is used for several purposes, most often to mark the end of a declarative sentence; this sentence-terminal use, alone, defines the strictest sense of full stop. It is also used to denote abbreviations. However, it is not used at the end of interrogative sentences. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c) ? - This punctuation symbol is known as a ‘question mark’. As the name suggests, a question mark indicates an interrogative clause or phrase in many languages. This mark is used at the end of interrogative sentences. It is the required answer. So, this is the correct answer.
d) , - This punctuation symbol is called a ‘comma’. It has the same shape as an apostrophe or single closing quotation mark in many typefaces, but it differs from them in being placed on the baseline of the text. The comma is used in many contexts and languages, mainly to separate parts of a sentence such as clauses, and items in lists, particularly when there are three or more items listed. However, it is not used at the end of any sentence. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note: It is necessary to note that in order to find the correct answer, you have to completely understand the meaning of the sentence first. This will help you understand the context behind the sentence and will help you to choose the correct punctuation mark.