Page 499 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

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questions (3): rhetorical questions 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 ofasking 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.
Ann'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 368) often suggest that the speaker wants the answer Yes, or some other positive response.
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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.)
questions (4): echo questions You're getting married?
To question what has been said, a speaker may simply repeat (,echo') what he/she has heard. A rising intonation is common.
I'm getting married. - You're getting married?
questions (4): echo questions 483
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