Follow That Dream / Believe in Yourself
Latin phrases and rhetorical questions
Learn some Latin phrases, and why writers ask questions they do not answer.
Latin phrases used in English:
- status quo: things as they are now;
- et cetera (etc.): and other such things;
- exempli gratia (e.g.): for example;
- ad hoc: for one particular purpose, often temporary (an ad hoc committee);
- in media res: starting in the middle of the action;
- per se: by itself, in itself;
- quid pro quo: a favour given in return for something.
A rhetorical question expects no answer. It makes the listener think, urges action, or inspires: 'Who wants to look back one day and wish they had tried?'
Match the question to the situation:
- taking responsibility: 'Who else will fix this if I don't?'
- standing up for what is right: 'Can we just watch while something unfair happens?'
A rhetorical question persuades; it does not ask.
Practise this lesson
Questions that get harder as you improve, a Tutor that helps without giving the answer away, and progress you can see. Free for every learner.
No account, no email address. Opens the real product.