Taken directly from the dictionary, a rhetorical question is a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer.
Recently, I asked a rhetorical question in a Facebook group, and someone felt the need to be Captain Obvious and answer the question.
This is my story:
So I like to participate in a lot of group discussions on Facebook. If you know me, you know that I LOVE Star Trek. Indicators are that I’ve dressed up as Spock for Halloween (recently), and I have a tattoo.
At any rate, back to the story. So in one of the Star Trek groups I am a member in, someone posted a super cool calendar of Star Trek: Discovery. I commented, saying “OMG how do I not have this?!”. Some dude responded that I didn’t have it because I hadn't purchased it, yet. My reaction: Haha...yes I know why I don’t have one. I asked the question to indicate my sentiment on how I felt about said calendar - it was super cool. Like the definition above explains, I made the comment for dramatic effect.
Other examples where the answer is self-evident, so no response is required:
What’s not to like?
What are you, insane?
Kids grow up quickly, don’t they?
Please share your examples. I’d love to read more.
Recently, I asked a rhetorical question in a Facebook group, and someone felt the need to be Captain Obvious and answer the question.
This is my story:
So I like to participate in a lot of group discussions on Facebook. If you know me, you know that I LOVE Star Trek. Indicators are that I’ve dressed up as Spock for Halloween (recently), and I have a tattoo.
At any rate, back to the story. So in one of the Star Trek groups I am a member in, someone posted a super cool calendar of Star Trek: Discovery. I commented, saying “OMG how do I not have this?!”. Some dude responded that I didn’t have it because I hadn't purchased it, yet. My reaction: Haha...yes I know why I don’t have one. I asked the question to indicate my sentiment on how I felt about said calendar - it was super cool. Like the definition above explains, I made the comment for dramatic effect.
Other examples where the answer is self-evident, so no response is required:
What’s not to like?
What are you, insane?
Kids grow up quickly, don’t they?
Please share your examples. I’d love to read more.
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