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What does it mean when someone says can I ask you a question?
The question properly phrased is: ‘May I ask you a question? ‘ It is the considerate and polite way of asking permission, as asking the question in the first place usually implies it is personal to the degree that might be uncomfortable or intrusive for the person you are asking.
How do you reply to Can I ask you something?
What’s the most polite way to answer “can I ask you a question?” If you’re willing to hear them out, then “Yes, you may” is polite, formal and grammatically correct.
What do you call it when you ask a question but you actually know the answer?
rhetorical question
In the vernacular, this form of rhetorical question is called “rhetorical affirmation”. The certainty or obviousness of the answer to a question is expressed by asking another, often humorous, question for which the answer is equally obvious.
Why do people say if I may ask?
It does seem polite to ask someone if they are willing to talk/answer a question, find out if they have time, etc. It is also a socially accepted way to ease into something that might be personally awkward.
Could I ask you something or can I ask you something?
It is grammatically correct to say, “Could I ask you something.” You could also say, “May I ask you something?” to be extremely polite. “Can I ask you something?” is for a present moment question.
Can I ask you something or may I ask you something?
Both “Can I ask” and “May I ask” is intended for permission. but “may” version is more polite than use of can. For Better Sentence, “may” is more appropriate. – a lot of people use this one, but then our teachers will correct us because “may” is the proper one to use.
Can I ask you favor?
“Can I ask you a favour?” – This is asking someone to do an action that you can do yourself, you just want someone else to do it. They are different things and can be used in a situation like this: “Hi, can I ask you a favour?”
Is it if I may ask polite?
“May” is used as a formal means to ask for permission and is very polite.