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The Speed of Inquiry

LykeX

02:56 / 26.11.04

Haven't you noticed all those abstracts saying "quick question about ..."?
What's with that? Why are there no slow questions? Surely it's a good idea to take your time thinking about what you are going to ask, getting the wording right.

And to the people who have asked "quick questions", what made you decide to do it quickly?

Papess

03:14 / 26.11.04

I think the term "quick question" is in fact, refering to the answer to the question not being too complicated or imposing. I suppose it would make more sense to say, Do you have time for a quick answer?, rather than, Do you have time for a quick question? However, the former sounds a bit awkward.

LykeX

07:39 / 26.11.04

Wow, someone actually replied to this. And with a coherent argument too. I'm impressed.

However, if we are to take the phrase "quick question" as actually meaning "quick answer", doesn't that mean that it is a simple question and therefore a quick one too? Or, maybe it's a request for a superficial answer?
I don't see how you could answer any complicated question in a comprehensive manner quickly.

STOATIE LIEKS CHOCOLATE MILK

08:01 / 26.11.04

I think it's like when street preachers ask for "a minute of your time"- the implication is that it won't impose on you too much.

Or maybe I'm just trying to justify it because reading this thread has made me acutely aware of the fact that I say it ALL THE FUCKING TIME and I'm not really sure why...

unheimlich manoeuvre

08:47 / 26.11.04

quick question also alliterates.

Loomis

08:54 / 26.11.04

Ha - I say it all the time too, Stoat. No idea why. Just one of those verbal tics. It'll probably appear in the hated words thread soon and I'll feel guilty.

Mind you, I don't actually ask, "Do you have time for a quick question?". I say it as a statement: "Hey X. Quick question for you." Nothing worse than asking someone if you can ask them a question and they say "You already did. Would you like to ask another question." And spending 15-20 in prison for murder is a very long question indeed.

STOATIE LIEKS CHOCOLATE MILK

11:49 / 26.11.04

But at least it's a proper sentence.

HaHA!!! Hahahahahahaha! Proper sentence... geddit? Proper...

Never fear, my coat's over here.

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