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Can I ask you a question vs Can I bother you for a question

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "Can I ask you a question?" is more common and sounds more natural. "Can I bother you for a question?" may come across as overly polite.
Camille profile picture

Explained by Camille
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: November 22, 2024 • 10469 views

Can I ask you a question

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This is a polite and common way to inquire if someone is willing to answer a question.
  • Mar 1, 2018 ... “Can I ask you a question” instead of just asking the question? Like the other person is going to say “no, you can't ask”.
  • Sep 27, 2023 ... If the bot says "can I ask you a question" it means the bot just decided it's a good idea to ask any random question, no matter what it is. And ...
  • Can I Ask You a Question? is a thorough exploration into Venditti's uncommon casting process that brings real life to narrative films and series.
  • Feb 19, 2024 ... Role play is an escape form reality for me. and the bot ruins the immersion a little bit with “Can I ask you a question?”
  • Mar 31, 2015 ... When someone says to me, 'can I ask you a question?', my first answer is, " you just did". That usually breaks the ice if the person is too ...
  • Jun 28, 2024 ... "Hey, can I ask you a question?" "You got a sec?" "hello" (the worst of them all) Nothing infuriates me more than someone shooting me a ...
  • Mar 26, 2023 ... 251 likes, 9 comments - miaweinberger on March 26, 2023: "“Can I ask you a question?” - @taylorswift (and me on the Sweeney Todd carpet).
  • Oct 16, 2022 ... So can I ask you a question? How to get more internet? Cause I always lag in 2 hours. TY! So Every 2 Hours It Always Lags And I Don't Know ...
  • Jul 25, 2024 ... Can I ask you a question? How is your soul doing? As wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, aunties, cousins, etc… we have a lot on our plates.

Alternatives:

  • May I ask you a question?
  • Could I ask you something?
  • Do you mind if I ask a question?
  • Is it okay if I ask you something?

Can I bother you for a question

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

This phrase is more formal and may come across as overly polite. It is less commonly used compared to 'Can I ask you a question?'
  • Sep 6, 2022 ... can i bother you for a question. im at the point to transfer everything over through rootshare but somehow my /data folder is somehow is ...
  • May 29, 2010 ... Can I bother you for a question? I bought what I think is a used HSD 4 HP 230V 3-Phase Spindle but I have Single Phase power. I'm kind of ...
  • Sep 27, 2024 ... 29. 󱘫. Top fan. Antoine Sapp. Andrea Serman can I bother you for a question? I s'pose not! 2 mos. Andrea Serman. Antoine Sapp. Question away! 1 ...
  • Aug 5, 2022 ... Can I bother you for a question? (Bisakah aku mengganggumu untuk sebuah pertanyaan?) Can I trouble you to shut the door? (Bisakah aku ...

Alternatives:

  • Can I ask you a question?
  • May I ask you a question?
  • Could I ask you something?
  • Do you mind if I ask a question?

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