Is this a question?

[one-philosophy]

"Is this a question?"


I think it is a question, because you are asking if it it is a question and questions need answering so even though the question is on questions, it's still a question.

PS: I know it's tempting, but please don't go "is this an answer?" because it isn't its just another question.

[Aristoddler]

In what context is it being used?
Is it followed by a question? If that's the case, then it's a matter of poor punctuation...it should read "Is this a question; Do birds fly south in Antarctica when winter comes?"

If it follows a statement, then yes it's a question in it's own.

[Victor Eremita]

What is this "this" referring to? If this "this" refers to nothing, then no; because nothing is not a question.

If this is referring to the aforementioned statement (itself), then it can be worded to be clearly self-referential as "Is this sequence of eight words a question?" or some such.

[one-philosophy]

the "this" within the statement is refering to the statement itself of "is this a question?"
Its self refering.
But I ask, why can't it be a question?
Surely because it is self-refering, does not mean it is poor grammered?
It meets the criteria of what a question is. It's ended with a question mark and it can be answered such with a correct or incorrect variable (yes or no).
If I was to say:
"Explain why this is not a question." ('this' being self-referent) then it is clear that this is not a question at all but rather a command.

"I can't believe this is not a question!" Is not a question either but an exlamation. I.e, just a statement.
english is so confusing

[Didymos Thomas]

Is this a question?

If you are asking something, yes. I think Aristoddler is right. It's all about context.

English is a confusing language. The up side is that most native speakers have a pretty poor understanding of the language.

[FatalMuse]

Yes, because any sentence with a question mark on the end is a question?

[one-philosophy]

I think that if a statement has a question mark on the end, it does not necessarilly mean it is a question?

^That example ^ is poor grammer. But the question proposed asks if it is a question in itself and that inherent fact must make it a question in its own right ... surely?

[GoshisDead]

Is it a question? I don't know. You asked it.

[Aristoddler]

If I'm holding a rock and ask, "Is this a question?" then the answer is "No, it is a rock."

[one-philosophy]

But if I have a sheet of paper with the words "what is the name of the presedent of the USA?" (for example) can I hold it and say "is this a question?"
The question in itself is self reffering so effectively I am asking:

Is the statement "is this a question?" A question?