Are you trying to figure out why someone asked you a question?
Well, you might want to use “why do you ask” to get to the bottom of it.
However, if you’re worried the phrase sounds a bit rude or forced, then you’ve come to the right place.
This article will show you how to say “why do you ask” politely to ensure you don’t offend.
Other Ways to Say “Why Do You Ask”
- What’s the reason for your curiosity?
- Sorry, but where did that come from?
- What made you ask me that?
- Is there a specific motive behind your question?
- I’m intrigued by your inquiry
- Could you shed some light on the purpose of your query?
- Is there something particular prompting your interest?
- I’m interested to know the context behind that question
- I’m wondering what’s driving your curiosity
- Is there a certain thought that led to your inquiry?
- Please elaborate on where that came from
- That’s a strange question, so why did you ask it?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Why do you ask” is a good question when you’re unsure of the origin or reasoning behind someone’s question.
- “What’s the reason for your curiosity?” is a polite alternative showing that you’d like to know why someone asked something.
- Try “sorry, but where did that come from?” in more informal settings to show that you’re unsure about someone’s question.
So, keep reading to learn how to ask why politely in an email. We’ve touched on the best alternatives for formal and informal contexts, showing you other ways to say “why do you ask.”
Or you can skip to the final section to learn whether it’s correct to say “why do you ask.” Then, you’ll know whether it’s appropriate to include it in your emails in the first place.
What’s the Reason for Your Curiosity? (Polite)
If you want to know how to say “why do you ask” professionally, you can try “what’s the reason for your curiosity?”
Not only is it professional, but it’s polite as well. So, it counts as a formal synonym and shows you how to address people’s questions in an email format.
We highly recommend using it when asking a client why they mentioned a specific question. It lets them know that you didn’t expect it and would like to hear more about the reasons behind it.
If you’re still unsure how to use it, you can refer to this email sample:
Dear Mr. Bennett,
What’s the reason for your curiosity? That question seemed very out of the blue, so I’d like to know the thought process behind it.
All the best,
Suzie Carla
Sorry, but Where Did That Come From? (Informal)
You can use “sorry, but where did that come from?” as another way to say “why do you ask” in your emails or messages.
Generally, this is a polite way to show that you’re curious about someone’s question. It lets them know that you’re unsure why they asked something.
From there, the recipient can explain more about why they asked the question.
It’s a respectful way to get to the bottom of someone’s question while maintaining a more friendly and apologetic tone.
You can also refer to this email sample to learn more about how it works:
Dear Bradley,
Sorry, but where did that come from? I’m not sure if I can answer your question until you explain it.
Thanks so much,
Sara Kingsnorth
And sometimes, it’s not necessary to include it in an email. For instance, this message sample will help you get your head around it:
Sorry, but where did that come from earlier? You asked a very interesting question, but I couldn’t answer it!
Is It Correct to Say “Why Do You Ask”?
It is correct to say “why do you ask” in most contexts. It’s fair and reasonable to ask someone to explain why they asked you a question.
However, you can’t always expect them to reply so openly. They might not be willing to explain why they asked a specific question.
It’s not rude to ask “why do you ask.” However, it can be seen as flippant or accusatory if you’re not careful! So, make sure you use your tone correctly.
For instance:
Why do you ask? I’m happy to answer your question, but I’d like to know why you said it.
Generally, you would use it with friends or people you’re close to. It’s not always appropriate to use it in the workplace.
Also, you might come across the following variation:
- Why are you asking?
This means the same thing. However, “why do you ask” shows someone has already asked the question, and you’re happy to answer.
“Why are you asking?” suggests you might not want to answer before you figure out why someone is asking you something.