Re: Never heard of a rhetorical question?
Yes, I have heard of a rhetorical question. It's a figure of speech in the form of a question that is asked to make a point rather than to elicit an answer. Though classically stated as a proper question, such a rhetorical device may be posed declaratively by implying a question, and therefore may not always require a question mark when written. Though a rhetorical question does not require a direct answer, in many cases it may be intended to start a discussion or at least draw an acknowledgement that the listener understands the intended message.
A common example is the question "Never heard of a rhetorical question?" This question, when posed, is intended not to ask about the reader's knowledge of rhetorical questions, but rather to insinuate a lack of the reader's knowledge.
Although occasionally amusing and even humorous, rhetorical questions rarely achieve any comedic effect.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
