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The Global Insight

What do you call a question you already know the answer to?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on February 07, 2026

The rhetorical question is usually defined as any question asked for a purpose other than to obtain the information the question asks.

What does it mean to ask a question you already know?

rhetorical question
rhetorical question Add to list Share. When something is rhetorical that means it is made for style or effect, likewise a rhetorical question is a question that is asked for mere effect, rather than a question that needs to be answered. Questions like “Who knew?” or “Who’s better than me?” are often rhetorical.

How do you never answer a question?

Ten strategies to avoid answering inappropriate questions

  1. Answer the original question with another question.
  2. Respond with sarcasm or a joke.
  3. Redirect the question to a topic that you do feel comfortable discussing.
  4. Use the shame game.
  5. Begin your answer by saying the word “No”

Why ask if you already know the answer?

Originally Answered: Why do you ask questions that you know the answer to? Because the answer might be useful to other people! You can provide an answer or see what other people think (i.e. other points of view).

When do you use ” already ” in a question?

Students: We have free audio pronunciation exercises. Whereas still and yet normally refer to present and future circumstances, already normally refers to something that is in the present or recent past. It is mainly used in questions and affirmative sentences and usually expresses surprise that something has happened sooner than expected.

Can a never heard already be used in a question?

Each case must be judged individually. I see nothing wrong with your examples – and I never heard already should only be used to express surprise in questions! Your first source says that already usually expresses surprise; it doesn’t say it always expresses surprise.

When do you use the word ” already ” in a sentence?

Yes, I finished it about five minutes ago. “Already is used to say that something is in the present or past, not the future. It may express some surprise – for example, because something has happened sooner than expected. “When’s Sally going to come?” “She’s already here.” ” Have you already finished? That was quick!