Begging the Question . . . Incorrectly

People use the phrase "that begs the question" wrong all the time! They say things like, "The Senator said he never heard of Mrs. Brown, which begs the question of how he knew her name." That's wrong!

"Begs the question" means to form a question in such a way that it requires (begs) a certain answer. "Have you stopped beating your wife, yes or no?" begs the question because no matter how you answer, you admit to beating your wife. So is, "Tell me how much you love the cake I made." You have to answer in a way that says you love the cake.

The phrase most people are looking for is "RAISES the question," as in, "The Senator said he never heard of Mrs. Brown, which raises the question of how he knew her name."

You have been informed. Now go forth and do it right!

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