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Rhetorical questions: Who cares?

Questions that do not expect an answer​

Questions do not always ask for information. In many languages, a question with an obvious answer can be used simply as a way of drawing attention to something. Questions of this kind are called ‘rhetorical questions’.

  • Do you know what time it is? (= You’re late.)
  • Who’s a lovely baby? (= You’re a lovely baby.)
  • ‘I can’t find my coat.’ ‘What’s this, then?’ (= Here it is, stupid.)

Very often, a rhetorical question draws attention to a negative situation – the answer is obviously No, or there is no answer to the question.

  • What’s the use of asking her? (= It’s no use asking her.)
  • How do you expect me to find milk on a Sunday night? Where am I going to find a shop open? (= You can’t reasonably expect … There aren’t any shops open.)
  • Where’s my money? (= You haven’t paid me.)
  • ‘I can run faster than you.’ ‘Who cares?’ (= Nobody cares.)
  • Are we going to let them do this to us? (= We aren’t …)
  • Have you lost your tongue? (= Why don’t you say anything?)
  • What do you think you’re doing? (= You can’t justify what you’re doing.)
  • Who do you think you are? (= You aren’t as important as your behaviour suggests.)
  • Why don’t you take a taxi? (= There’s no reason not to.)

Why/How should …?​

Why should …? can be used aggressively to reject suggestions, requests and instructions.

  • ‘Anna’s very unhappy.’ ‘Why should I care?’
  • ‘Could your wife help us in the office tomorrow?’ ‘Why should she? She doesn’t work for you.’

How should/would I know? is an aggressive reply to a question.

  • ‘What time does the film start?’ ‘How should I know?’

Negative yes/no questions​

Negative yes/no questions (see here) often suggest that the speaker wants the answer Yes, or some other positive response.

  • Haven’t I done enough for you? (= I have done enough for you.)
  • Didn’t I tell you it would rain? (= I told you …)
  • ‘Don’t touch that! ’ ‘Why shouldn’t I?’ (= I have a perfect right to.)