While walking....
"Do you want to turn right here"?
Response:
"Why, do you want to add another mile?"
My husband says it is never correct to answer a question with a question.
I say, it is ok when clarification is needed.
Thank you!
Grammar - Can you answer a question with a question for clarification?
Details:
Added 3+ months ago:
I'll try again.....
Is it grammatically correct to answer a question with a question when clarification is needed?
Answers (2)
That is a figure of speech, and in most cases it is annoying. When someone asks for information, the last thing they need is a smartaleck question in return. Your example implies that your husband has to be stupid to ask such a question.
It is appropriate when somebody really should know better, such as the minimum wage topic: "Do you want all those people unemployed? Because that's how you get a large number of people unemployed."
It's partly a matter of intonation, but the way you asked sounds like a rhetorical question. These might have worked better:
1) "Wouldn't it add another mile?" - 'you' is omitted, thereby removing the accusation.
2) "It might add another mile, don't you think so?" or "so we probably shouldn't".
3) "I think it's longer, is there any particular reason we should go there?".
Even if you feel 100% sure, a retort implies excessive confidence and impudence.