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If a sentence/word has (?) at the end, does it mean the sentence is not a fact and the author is not sure about it? As in the example:

I am the tallest(?) in our class.

Which means I am not sure whether I am tallest in the class.

Is it correct?

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  • 4
    It's very informal writing.
    – Mitch
    Dec 23, 2018 at 19:03
  • It can also mean you are unsure about the spelling/word.
    – eckes
    Dec 24, 2018 at 5:52
  • Somewhat close to [citation needed] :)
    – val - disappointed in SE
    Dec 24, 2018 at 10:43

2 Answers 2

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(?) is simply a passing note of incertitude at the preceding word (sometimes phrase).

I am the tallest(?) in our class

Here this usage indicates that the author is not sure if he/she is really the tallest one.

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    It might also mean that the author isn't sure whether it is the right word.
    – Lebbers
    Dec 23, 2018 at 20:25
  • @Lebbers I think that is also covered by incertitude at the preceding word.
    – some_user
    Dec 23, 2018 at 21:27
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    Similar to (sp?), which means the author isn't sure if the spelling of the last word or phrase is correct. E.g. "I met a guy named Asrael (sp?) ..."
    – wjandrea
    Dec 23, 2018 at 21:31
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    @wjandrea In my experience, it refers to uncertainty of truthiness far more often than uncertainty of spelling
    – kettlecrab
    Dec 24, 2018 at 2:36
  • @person27 What do you mean?
    – wjandrea
    Dec 24, 2018 at 14:09
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I haven't seen the use of "(?)" in any book or news article for example, I would say it's something used in an informal context. But yes, I'd say it showcases the author's insecurity with respect to the statement

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    Hi and welcome. This is more of a comment than an answer. You can quite quickly earn the ability to comment with a few votes on a good question or a good answer. Perhaps take a look at how to answer.
    – tmgr
    Dec 24, 2018 at 0:17
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    @tmgr On all other stackexchange sites, comments are for asking for clarification. Here, too, the placeholder says "Use comments to ask for more information or suggest improvements". A comment is not supposed to be an answer. Caproki, I think you were right in posting your answer as, y'know, an answer.
    – Luc
    Dec 24, 2018 at 13:18

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