I think I posted this back in the day, but I'm at work and bored to death, so I am going to bring it up again...

Why is it so widely accepted for the statement "Guess what" be followed with a question mark?

Many, many people argue that it's a question, but it is not. It is a command sentense.

I know this is a pretty lame thread and it's not an important topic by any means. And I am terrible at grammar and spelling, but as I said, I'm bored.

Whenever I say "Guess What?" and people say "What?" I say "No, you're supposed to guess."

... I showed them. :/

Heh, but my point is, sentense wise, the subject is you (understood). So it is saying "You, guess what happened today."

"Guess what." is just a shortened version of that.

So, "Guess what." is NOT a question. It's COMMAND all the way!

Nobody cares?

Why do you.

How do you know the sentance isn't Guess: "What?".
hmm?

In that form it should probably not have a question mark. My best guess (lawl) on why it's so widespread is that the expression was originally "Can you guess what happened to me today?" But you're right; when someone says "Guess what," it's an imperative, not a question. The inflection in the statement gives it away.

Yea. I agree. And JM, I already said I didn't care and was bored. Next time I'll put it in all caps.

I hope Guess posts in this thread.

That's because I don't care enough to read?

Really, did you think I cared.

Ah, I see your point.

Ok, see that should have had a question mark.

Yea, both of his post had the punctuation switched. He's trying to make a point. He just needs to try harder.

Heh heh heh.... boy, have I got a lot to learn (?)


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I agree with spiral.

Also, if you want a real grammar butchering mind****, this exact sentence except was on some fliers in the building.