Question beginning with 'if not.'

[YajR]

Are you the person responsible for this? If not, would you please direct me to the appropriate contact at frappuccino?

someone is telling me that the second sentence is not a question, and thus should not have a question mark at the end of it. I beg to differ. Am i Wrong?

[Yankee]

Hi YajR

Here is one opinion:

[YajR]

Interesting. I see what you mean about the sentence you quoted being a request.

My concern is if a sentence such as mine is still considered a request instead of a question since answering the question would depend on the response given to the question preceding it.

[Yankee]

Hi YajR

Despite the conditional nature of the sentence, to me, it is indeed a polite request.

I'm sure sentences such as yours are written both with and without a question mark. I suspect many will use a question mark simply because the word order is interrogative in the main clause.

I think the use of a question mark in a sentence such as yours is probably largely a question of personal style and preference.

That's my two cents.
.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[YajR]

How does that work if that was sent in an email, asking for a non-face-to-face response. My intent in the question is begging for a response and not directing the person to perform a non-verbal action.

On occasion, I receive responses from others with answers such as "No, I will not direct you." Which is why I tend to move towards the question.

[Yankee]

Hi YajR

To be honest, I fail to see how the lack of a question mark could reliably prevent a response such as "No, I will not direct you". It seems to me that anyone who would respond that way would be reacting to something other than the presence of a question mark.
.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[YajR]

Really? Interesting view. When I think of that sentence, the responses I envision receiving are between; sure .. "bill jones is your man," or "no, I won't be able to direct you to someone."

What response would cross your mind if you received such a question / request via a non-verbal communication channel?

[Yankee]

Hi YajR

"No, I will not direct you" strikes me as being quite impolite as a response to your politely worded request. That's the reason that I didn't think the presence or lack of a question mark would make much difference. Someone willing to respond that specific way would probably do so for some other reason. :lol:

You could avoid the "problem" simply by not wording your request in an interrogative format.
.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[YajR]

Yes. That answer is not very common and a little rude. I'm glad I don't get it all the time :)

I'm not sure any other way of being more polite and non-confrontational with that question.