RHETORICAL QUESTIONS

A rhetorical question is a question (such as "How could I be so stupid?") that's asked merely for effect with no answer expected. The answer may be obvious or immediately provided by the questioner. Also known as erotesis, erotema, interrogatio, questioner, and reversed polarity question (RPQ).
A rhetorical question can be "an effective persuasive device, subtly influencing the kind of response one wants to get from an audience" (Edward P.J. Corbett). See Examples and Observations, below.
In English, rhetorical questions are commonly used in speech and in informal kinds of writing (such as advertisements). Rhetorical questions appear less frequently in academic discourse.


Rhetorical questions can be defined as questions that are not really meant to be answered. Rather, rhetorical questions are asked in order to make a point about a situation or to point out something for consideration. This is a very different usage than yes / no questions or information questions. Let's quickly review these two basic types of questions before moving on to rhetorical questions.
Yes / No questions are used to quickly get an answer to a simple question. Yes / No questions are usually answered with the a short answer using only the auxiliary verb. For example:

Would you like to come with us tonight?
Yes, I would.
Did you understand the question?
No, I didn't.
Are they watching TV at the moment?
Yes, they are.

Rhetorical Questions for the Big Questions in Life
Rhetorical questions pose a question that is intended to make people think. For example, a conversation might begin with:

* What do you want to do in life? That's a question we all need to answer, but it's not easy to find an answer ...
* How much time does it take to become successful? That's an easy question. It takes a lot of time to become successful! Let's take a look at what success requires so that we can get a better understanding. 
* Where do you want to be in fifteen years? That's a question that everyone should take seriously no matter how old they are.

Rhetorical Questions to Draw Attention
Rhetorical questions are also used to point to something important and often have an implied meaning. In other words, the person who poses the question is not looking for an answer, but wants to make a statement. Here are some examples:

* Do you know what time it is? - MEANING: It's late!
* Who is my favorite person in the world? - MEANING: You are my favorite person!
* Where's my homework? - MEANING: I expected you to turn in the homework today!
* What does it matter? - MEANING: It doesn't matter.

Rhetorical Questions to Point Out a Bad Situation
Rhetorical questions are also often used to complain about a bad situation. Once again, the actual meaning of the quite different than the rhetorical question. Here are some examples:

* What can she do about that teacher? - MEANING: She can't do anything. Unfortunately, the teacher isn't very helpful.
* Where am I going to find help this late in the day? - MEANING: I'm not going to find help this late in the day.
* Do you think I'm rich? - MEANING: I'm not rich, don't ask me for money.

Rhetorical Questions to Express a Bad Mood
Rhetorical questions are often used to express a bad mood, even depression. For example:

* What should I try to get that job? - MEANING: I'll never get that job!
* What's the point in trying? - MEANING: I'm depressed and I don't want to make an effort.
* Where did I go wrong? - MEANING: I don't understand why I'm having so many difficulties lately.

Negative Yes / No Rhetorical Questions to Point to a Positive
Negative rhetorical questions are used to suggest that a situation is actually positive. Here are some examples:

* Haven't you had enough awards this year? - MEANING: You've won a lot of awards. Congratulations!
* Didn't I help you on your last exam? - MEANING: I helped you on your last exam and it helped.
* Won't he be excited to see you? - MEANING: He will be very excited to see you.

I hope this short guide to rhetorical questions has answered any questions you may have on how and why we use this type of question that is not really a question. There are other types of questions such as question tags to confirm information and indirect questions to be more polite.