Screenwriting : Asking a question by Julio M. Espinosa Jimenez

Can I ask you to give us and example? =)

They always ask: "Can I ask you a question?"

I was joking. It's prob either a sign of the characters insecurity, or; it's a way for the writer to emphasize (important).

Yeah... I don't think the phrase "Can I ask you a question" is just an American colloquialism, but rather it's a common human expression often used when insecure or hesitant. :)

Common human expression? maybe but, I'm form Colombia, and we don't ask permission to ask a question. I think some screenwriters do that to fill blank spaces. Also "Can I ask you a Question?" conveys a negative message: To ask questions is wrong.

Well, that may be the case sometimes, and it may be less common for people in Colombia, but certainly not worldwide. I've heard that phrase asked in TV/films from all over in different languages and in slightly different ways/expressions. Perhaps it's just more often used in certain parts of the world. :) Best to you!

I see it sometimes, but I think it's not a general rule. Maybe it depends on the writer and his/her way of writing, or it is just has to do with the character and the way he/she approaches to the others.

You are right Oliver, I have the tendency to overthink things, but the devil is in the details.

There are a few forms of this. As Beth says, the insecure form: BOY Can I ask you something? Did you not like that birthday card I got you? I think in this form it's used as an introduction to a delicate topic. Sort of synonymous with "I have something tricky I'd like to discuss now." Then there's the obsequious form: UNDERLING I'm sorry, may I ask you something? How do you operate this copier? That's no different than any time you're requesting ANYTHING from someone. "I acknowledge that your time is valuable, but I need something from you." Then of course there's the AGGRESSIVE form of this construction Like: TONY SOPRANO Can I ask you something? Why you always gotta be such a freakin' pansy? Here it's a faux-politeness, deployed for emphasis. As for WHY? No idea. I didn't know it was uniquely American until you asked the question.

Hey, sometimes is plain sarcasm: "oh, darling, didn't you like your present? After all it did cost me a fortune.". Well not literally, but we like saying it anyway. Lol! Happy darlings? Oops, there goes another question. Sorry, I couldn't resist. Lol!!

Thanks for explaining in further detail, Kerry and Jorge. Great examples! :) Julio, perhaps you're only considering the literal meaning and not the possible subtext -- as given and dramatically explored by Kerry and Jorge. LOL! ;) What's happening between characters within a scene when this phrase is used informs its meaning, not so much the words themselves. Perhaps this is one of those phrases where the subtext is a little lost in translation between different countries/cultures; how different people communicate. :)

Indeed, it's just how some cultures talk. It's certainly not exclusively American. There's actually a modern non-permissive spin on this which is the use of just within requests to make them to sound reasonable. I just wanted to ask you something. We just need to go over these details. I just need five minutes of your time. It's just a quick favour.

Damien, my wife must be Irish!! LOL

As a person who pays (maybe too much) attention to verbal devices, I've never understood this. Saps the authenticity from a moment. It's like in a movie when someone says, I want to kiss you. Well really? Because your eyes and quivering lips DON'T convey they to my satisfaction? If you want to ask a question, kiss, punch all that wind-up just distracts from forward motion.

I totally agree with Erick "Can I ask you a question?" saps the authenticity of the moments.

It's just for drama isn't it? like when people play the pronoun game instead of giving a direct answer to a simple question, easy way to build tension. It also happens in real life, not just America but in England where I live, mostly when people are asking you about your sexuality......

It is for drama, suspense. It sets up the moment and possible conflict for an arguement.

Can I just say something? I'm not sure how an authentic representation of how people actually talk can sap authenticity. I mean it can certainly be used poorly, but not inauthentically.

Yes, agreed. :) It doesn't "sap authenticity." It's a representation of how people talk. :)

Yep, what CJ said. Couldn't have put it better.

Can I ask you a question?

Used everywhere in the world, even in Colombia.

I don't think they do. I think it's a pet peeve of yours and you seem to notice it when it DOES happen and not when it doesn't. Sometimes it's a tic on behalf of the question asker. My youngest daughter always says, "Daddy can I ask you a question?" before asking as if she needs permission. She doesn't and I tell her to simply ask the question. If you notice shows or movies where a lot of the characers preface their questions with that question - than it's poor writing.

with most courtesy gone these days, thanks for the usage. At least it merits civility. Except when a date wants a kiss and starts out with " Is it okay to ..." boring beats polite. Anyhow it's not American its commonplace in every country and culture.

Same as hanging up the phone without saying goodbye. Film etiquette just isn't the same as real life etiquette.

Think I have to review James Bond ordering Martini, and British drama to count please and thank yous. I do recall Oliver Twist " please sir I want some more"

Fleurette - I don't believe Mr. Bond bothers with the niceties. It's simply: "Martini. Shaken, not stirred". No please or thank yous. Which is pretty much the same technique he uses with the women he beds. "Come here, Pussy" springs to mind from "Goldfinger".

On point, Michael .

It will also depend on the genre. And yes, it is a popular expression everywhere. You won't see it used in every movie but there is a place for it when appropos.