Rhetorical Question
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- Jaline0
Also, I am aware that I used the word "question[s]" 7 times in the previous post.
- Jaline0
Yes, starting a sentence with the word, "who" will usually lead to a question, but then it brings me back to the question of whether or not rhetorical questions always need question marks at the end of them. While they are questions, they are not really questions. If anyone understand what I'm talking about.
Also, instead of "who", one can use "whomever" to start a sentence and not have it become a question.
- Jaline0
sorry, ribit, my Valley Girl-ness totally shines through sometimes.
//
:P
- rafalski0
How can you not love anal?
Antonelli
(Oct 12 07, 18:07)I've seen it both ways.
harlequino
(Oct 12 07, 18:07)
- Atkinson0
totally, way, so, like
it depends how you write, I like to read as people speak - Kerouac style. I don't like reading students' essays if they are written in that way though, eg. 'Picasso was so like the best artist of the last century, his work is like totally awesome.'
I'd like to fail an essay like that.
- Atkinson0
Sure you can, and starting with 'So', too but you're not supposed to if you stick to the rules, what ever they are. I can't think of a statement that begins with 'who', that isn't a question. I think 'can' is another one, it always precedes a question, unless you're talking about a metal can - before someone says it!
- ribit0
are you allowed to use 'totally' like that?
- Jaline0
Atkinson, all those grammar rules you learn in school usually have exceptions.
For example, remember how teachers always said, "never start a sentence with the word, 'because'"? Lies! You can totally start one with that word, depending on the context.
- blaw0
A common practice in writing well is to use punctuation as a tool to help convey a thought to the reader quickly and easily.
For example, you would say Chris's, not Chris', to indicate possession.
Following that example, ending with a period is more inline with the message being conveyed.
- inhaler0
yes, but not all statements that begin with who are questions.
- Atkinson0
? - it's a question, it begins with who.
I think who, what which where etc are all followed by ?
- SteveJobs0
Rhetorical Question
How do you punctuate them?
Jaline
(Oct 12 07, 17:31)now wait, was that a rhetorical question?
how do i punctuate them, indeed!
- Jaline0
thanks, ponyface ;)
- Jaline0
Thanks, harle. I'm only using it once, so I think I will add the question mark. It seems awkward without it, and I don't know how this professor marks yet (it's my first assignment for her so I'll play it safe for now).
- PonyBoy0
*runs along...
... *trips...
- harlequino0
If it feels like a statement, despite its query-like structure, you can punctuate with a period. Consistency is always king. If you have multiple rhetorical questions, simply remain consistent. I've seen it both ways.
- Antonelli0
How can you not love anal?
- PonyBoy0
ZING!!! I solved my Flashy prob...
... how's it going with the grammar, Juh-lean-eeeeee?
- Jaline0
Run along now...