Why do people answer a question with a question?

Question

Is it because they don't have an answer? Why don't they pass the question by if they have no answer?

That's what I thought, no answer.

Answer 1

Why does this bother you? LOL, just kidding, I couldn't resist. I think that some of them do it to be sarcastic and condescending. Others because sometimes it seems the best way to answer someone who is being a doofus. (and no I don't mean you ;) I have seen others just use a question for clarity to the question.

Answer 2

Sometimes asking a question shows the opposite side of the question----there may be 2 opinions.

Answer 3

To bring the person to a conclusion. For emphasis. For the same reason people, like Christ talked in parables...to make people think of things through another view and come to their own awakening. It is not done to be rude but rather done with a higher intelligence.

Answer 4

Because sometimes the best answer is a thought provoking question

Answer 5

Because it is a rhetorical device that can sometimes show that the original question has not been thought out or is meaningless.

Good enough for you?

Answer 6

Sometimes an answer in interrogative form makes the point more clearly and firmly than it would be made in declarative form.

Answer 7

coz sometimes the question is not logical so answering by another question makes u think and get the right point, it directs u to another way of thinking, and sometimes it is apolite way to tell u that u are wong.

Answer 8

Huh? Because its 2 points. If you want a serious answer don't ask it on yahoo. This is fun.

Answer 9

Why not? What better way to help you discover not only the answer, but alse HOW to think for yourself?

Answer 10

Some questions are 'rhetorical'. They ARE answers.