Lately, in e-mail and chat I am seeing a confusing pattern of writing. Folks are putting their questions in the form of a statement, with a question mark at the end. This habit makes our meaning unclear and puts a burden on the receiving party to decipher the message. Here is a perfect example:

I’m sure he knows this is urgent since you and Buddy already connected?

– Anonymous

Is this a question or a statement? Is the writer asking for a response? It’s difficult to say. Do your readers a favor and communicate clearly. Use a period or an exclamation point when you are making a statement, and put your questions in the form of a question.