Responding to “What Are You Going To Do To Me?”: A Grammar Guide

Understanding how to respond to the question “What are you going to do to me?” is crucial for effective communication, especially in situations that can range from playful banter to serious confrontations. The grammatical structure and tone of your response can significantly alter the perception and impact of your message.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to crafting appropriate and grammatically sound responses, covering a spectrum of scenarios and intentions. It benefits English language learners, writers, speakers, and anyone seeking to improve their communication skills in sensitive or high-stakes contexts.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition and Context
• Structural Breakdown
• Types of Responses
  • Humorous Responses
  • Defensive Responses
  • Serious Responses
  • Evasive Responses
  • Questioning Responses
• Examples
  • Humorous Response Examples
  • Defensive Response Examples
  • Serious Response Examples
  • Evasive Response Examples
  • Questioning Response Examples
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition and Context

The question “What are you going to do to me?” is a direct inquiry about someone’s impending actions towards the person speaking. Grammatically, it’s a future tense interrogative sentence.

Its function is to elicit information about intentions, which can range from playful actions to harmful ones. The context in which this question is asked is paramount; it can signify fear, anticipation, challenge, or even flirtation.

Understanding the context helps determine the appropriate and effective response.

The core of the question lies in the future tense, using the auxiliary verb “are” followed by “going to,” which indicates a planned or intended action. The pronoun “you” identifies the actor, while “me” is the recipient of the action.

Analyzing these components allows us to tailor responses that address the specific concerns or implications of the inquiry.

In terms of classification, this question falls under the category ofinterrogative sentences, specifically those seeking information about future actions. Its pragmatic function varies widely depending on social dynamics, the relationship between the speakers, and the overall situation.

It can act as a gauge of power dynamics, a request for reassurance, or an invitation to engage in a specific activity. Therefore, the response needs to be carefully considered to align with the intended outcome.

Structural Breakdown

The question “What are you going to do to me?” follows a standard English question structure. Breaking it down, we have:

• Interrogative Word: “What” – This word signals that the sentence is a question and seeks specific information.
• Auxiliary Verb: “are” – This helps form the future tense.
• Subject: “you” – The person who will perform the action.
• “going to”: A phrase indicating future intention.
• Verb: “do” – The action to be performed.
• Preposition: “to” – Indicates the direction of the action.
• Object Pronoun: “me” – The recipient of the action.

Understanding this structure allows us to manipulate the components to create different types of responses. For instance, we can replace the verb “do” with a specific action, or we can rephrase the entire question as a statement.

The use of “going to” is significant. While it indicates future intention, it’s less formal than using “will.” “Going to” often implies a pre-existing plan or decision.

A response can play on this implication, either confirming or denying the existence of such a plan.

Types of Responses

Humorous Responses

Humorous responses aim to diffuse tension or create a lighthearted atmosphere. They often involve exaggeration, irony, or wordplay.

The key is to gauge the audience and ensure the humor is appropriate for the situation. A poorly timed joke can backfire, especially in serious contexts.

Defensive Responses

Defensive responses are used when the question is perceived as accusatory or threatening. These responses often involve denying intent, justifying actions, or shifting blame.

While defensiveness can be necessary, it can also escalate conflict if not handled carefully. A calm and rational tone is crucial.

Serious Responses

Serious responses are appropriate when the situation demands sincerity and clarity. These responses directly address the question with honesty and without ambiguity.

They are particularly important in situations involving trust, safety, or legal implications. Being straightforward can build confidence and resolve misunderstandings.

Evasive Responses

Evasive responses avoid directly answering the question. They might involve changing the subject, using vague language, or employing rhetorical questions.

Evasiveness can be useful when a direct answer is undesirable or potentially harmful. However, it can also be perceived as dishonest or manipulative.

Questioning Responses

Questioning responses answer a question with another question. This can be used to gain clarification, buy time, or shift the focus back to the original questioner.

It’s a useful tactic for gathering more information before committing to a specific answer. However, overuse can be frustrating and appear confrontational.

Examples

Humorous Response Examples

Humorous responses require careful calibration based on the existing dynamic. The intention is to alleviate tension, however, one must be mindful of the audience and appropriateness.

The following table provides some examples.

Scenario	Humorous Response
Playful banter with a friend	“Tickle you mercilessly… until you beg for mercy!”
Teasing a sibling	“I’m going to replace all your socks with mismatched ones!”
Flirting with a partner	“That depends… are you going to be naughty or nice?”
Responding to a silly threat	“I’m going to unleash my army of rubber chickens!”
Joking with a coworker	“I’m going to assign you all the best projects, obviously!”
During a game night	“I’m going to strategically crush you in this game!”
After a minor disagreement	“I’m going to forgive you… eventually.”
When someone is being dramatic	“I’m going to write a dramatic screenplay about this very moment!”
Responding to a challenge	“I’m going to accept that challenge… and win!”
During a costume party	“I’m going to judge your costume… favorably, I hope!”
While cooking together	“I’m going to make you taste my amazing secret ingredient!”
Walking past a spooky house	“I’m going to dare you to knock on that door!”
In a playful argument about movies	“I’m going to convince you that my favorite movie is better!”
When someone is being overly cautious	“I’m going to teach you the art of calculated risk!”
After telling a bad joke	“I’m going to apologize for that joke… maybe.”
While playing a sport	“I’m going to score the winning point!”
When someone is being stubborn	“I’m going to try to reason with you… wish me luck!”
In a friendly competition	“I’m going to show you who’s boss!”
When someone is being overly sensitive	“I’m going to handle you with kid gloves!”
After winning an argument	“I’m going to graciously accept my victory!”
When someone is being sarcastic	“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that!”
While watching a scary movie	“I’m going to hide behind you!”
When someone is being overly dramatic	“I’m going to write a song about your suffering!”
After making a mistake	“I’m going to blame it on you!”

Defensive Response Examples

Defensive responses are useful in situations where one feels threatened or wrongly accused. These responses aim to protect oneself and clarify intentions.

However, they should be used cautiously to avoid escalating conflict. The following table lists several examples.

Scenario	Defensive Response
Accused of wrongdoing	“I have no intention of harming you. What makes you think that?”
Questioned about your motives	“My actions are purely for your benefit. I’m trying to help.”
Facing a false accusation	“I’m not going to do anything. I haven’t even thought about it.”
Suspected of malicious intent	“I would never do anything to hurt you. That’s not who I am.”
Under pressure to take action	“I’m not planning anything. I need more information first.”
Facing a hostile question	“Why do you assume I’m going to do something negative?”
When trust is questioned	“I’ve always been honest with you. Why would I start now?”
In a tense negotiation	“My intentions are fair and transparent. I’m seeking a compromise.”
Responding to a threat	“I’m not going to retaliate. I prefer to resolve this peacefully.”
When your actions are misunderstood	“I’m doing what I believe is right. I don’t want to cause harm.”
During an interrogation	“I have no plans to do anything illegal or unethical.”
When your reputation is at stake	“I value my integrity. I wouldn’t compromise it.”
Facing criticism	“I’m doing my best. I’m not trying to upset anyone.”
When your authority is challenged	“I’m acting within my responsibilities. My goal is to protect everyone.”
Responding to a provocation	“I’m not going to react. I’m staying calm and professional.”
When your judgment is questioned	“I’ve carefully considered my options. I believe this is the best course of action.”
Facing a potential conflict	“I’m seeking a resolution that benefits everyone. I’m not looking for trouble.”
When your loyalty is doubted	“I’m committed to this relationship. I would never betray your trust.”
Responding to a veiled threat	“I’m not intimidated. I stand by my principles.”
When your intentions are misconstrued	“I’m trying to create a positive outcome. I want what’s best for all of us.”
During a difficult conversation	“I’m here to listen and understand. I don’t want to cause any pain.”
When your boundaries are tested	“I’m setting clear limits. I expect you to respect them.”
Facing a tense situation	“I’m focused on de-escalating the situation. I want to find a peaceful solution.”
When your actions are under scrutiny	“I’m acting in accordance with the rules and regulations. I’m not doing anything wrong.”

Serious Response Examples

Serious responses are appropriate when the situation warrants honesty and clarity. These responses directly address the question without ambiguity and are especially important in situations involving trust and safety.

The table below shows some examples.

Scenario	Serious Response
In a professional setting	“I’m going to provide you with the best possible service.”
Assuring a worried friend	“I’m going to help you through this difficult time.”
Addressing a safety concern	“I’m going to ensure your safety and well-being.”
Clarifying intentions in a relationship	“I’m going to be honest and supportive.”
Responding to a request for help	“I’m going to do everything I can to assist you.”
In a negotiation	“I’m going to present a fair and reasonable offer.”
Addressing concerns about a project	“I’m going to complete this project to the best of my ability.”
Reassuring a patient	“I’m going to provide you with the best possible care.”
Addressing employee concerns	“I’m going to address your concerns and find solutions.”
Clarifying expectations	“I’m going to set clear expectations and guidelines.”
During a crisis	“I’m going to take control of the situation and ensure everyone’s safety.”
Promising support	“I’m going to be there for you no matter what.”
Addressing fears	“I’m going to alleviate your fears and provide reassurance.”
In a legal context	“I’m going to represent your best interests.”
During a difficult decision	“I’m going to make the best decision based on the available information.”
Offering guidance	“I’m going to guide you through this process.”
Providing comfort	“I’m going to offer you comfort and support.”
Addressing ethical concerns	“I’m going to act with integrity and honesty.”
In a leadership role	“I’m going to lead with fairness and compassion.”
During a conflict resolution	“I’m going to find a solution that respects everyone’s needs.”
When someone feels vulnerable	“I’m going to protect you.”
When someone is asking for a promise	“I’m going to keep my word.”
When someone is seeking justice	“I’m going to fight for what’s right.”
During a moment of uncertainty	“I’m going to stay strong.”

Evasive Response Examples

Evasive responses are used to avoid directly answering the question, often by changing the subject or using vague language. While useful in certain situations, they can also be perceived as dishonest.

The following table shows some examples.

Scenario	Evasive Response
Avoiding a direct commitment	“Let’s see what happens.”
Changing the subject	“Speaking of which, did you see the game last night?”
Using a vague non-answer	“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
Deflecting with a question	“Why do you ask?”
Stalling for time	“I need to think about that.”
Avoiding responsibility	“That’s not really my department.”
Using a cliché	“Time will tell.”
Being ambiguous	“It depends on the circumstances.”
Avoiding specifics	“We’re exploring all our options.”
Using humor to deflect	“I’m going to plead the fifth!”
When you don’t want to reveal your plans	“That’s a secret.”
When you are unsure yourself	“I haven’t decided yet.”
When you want to keep your options open	“I’m keeping my cards close to my chest.”
When you want to avoid a confrontation	“Let’s not go there.”
When you want to change the topic	“That reminds me of something else…”
When you don’t want to make a promise	“I’ll see what I can do.”
When you want to avoid answering directly	“That’s a complex question.”
When you are being coy	“You’ll find out soon enough.”
When you want to avoid giving bad news	“Let’s just focus on the positives.”
When you don’t want to commit to anything	“I’m playing it by ear.”

Questioning Response Examples

Questioning responses involve answering a question with another question. This tactic can be used to gain clarification, buy time, or shift the focus back to the original questioner.

Here’s a table with examples:

Scenario	Questioning Response
Seeking clarification	“What exactly are you worried about?”
Shifting the focus	“What do you think I should do?”
Gaining more information	“Why do you need to know?”
Buying time to think	“What makes you ask that?”
Challenging the assumption	“Do you really think I would do something like that?”
Turning the question around	“What are *you* going to do?”
Expressing surprise	“Why would you even ask?”
Seeking their opinion	“What would you do in my position?”
Avoiding a direct answer	“Does it really matter what I do?”
Expressing disbelief	“Are you serious?”
When you want to know the reason behind the question	“What’s your concern?”
When you want to understand their perspective	“What’s your take on the situation?”
When you want to avoid committing to an answer	“Why is that relevant?”
When you want to challenge their curiosity	“What are you hoping to find out?”
When you want to know what they expect	“What do you expect me to do?”
When you want to know their motivation	“What’s your motive for asking?”
When you want to know their intentions	“What are you planning to do with that information?”
When you want to know the context of the question	“Where is this coming from?”
When you want to know the implications of their question	“What are the consequences if I answer?”
When you want to know their assumptions	“What assumptions are you making?”

Usage Rules

The appropriate response to “What are you going to do to me?” depends heavily on context and intent. Here are some general rules:

• Assess the Situation: Consider the relationship with the person asking, the setting, and any prior events. Is it playful banter, a serious inquiry, or a veiled threat?
• Match the Tone: Your response should align with the overall tone of the interaction. A humorous reply to a serious question can be inappropriate and damaging.
• Be Clear and Concise: Avoid ambiguity unless you are intentionally being evasive. Clear communication is essential, especially in serious situations.
• Consider the Impact: Think about how your response will be received. Will it escalate or de-escalate the situation? Will it build trust or create suspicion?
• Be Honest (or Strategically Dishonest): Honesty is generally the best policy, but there are times when strategic evasion is necessary for self-preservation or to avoid harm.

Grammatical Considerations:Ensure your response is grammatically correct. Errors can undermine your credibility and make your intentions unclear.

Pay attention to tense, subject-verb agreement, and word choice.

Non-Verbal Communication: Your body language and tone of voice are just as important as your words. Maintain eye contact, use a calm and steady voice, and avoid aggressive postures.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when responding to “What are you going to do to me?”:

• Overreacting: Responding with excessive anger or fear can escalate the situation.
• Being Vague Unintentionally: Unclear language can create confusion and mistrust.
• Using Sarcasm Inappropriately: Sarcasm can be misinterpreted and cause offense.
• Ignoring the Context: Failing to consider the situation can lead to an inappropriate response.
• Making Empty Threats: Issuing threats you cannot or do not intend to carry out can damage your credibility.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
“Huh?” (in a serious context)	“I’m not planning on doing anything to harm you.”	Failing to acknowledge the seriousness of the question.
“I dunno, maybe…” (when clarity is needed)	“I will ensure the project is completed on time.”	Lack of clarity and commitment.
“Whatever.” (when reassurance is expected)	“I’m here to support you.”	Dismissive and unhelpful response.
Responding with a threat when de-escalation is needed	“Let’s talk about this calmly.”	Escalating the conflict instead of resolving it.
Being sarcastic when sincerity is required	“I’m being serious. I want to help.”	Misinterpreting the tone of the situation.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these exercises. Choose the most appropriate response for each scenario.

1. Scenario: A friend says this jokingly during a game night.
   1. I’m going to ruin you!
   2. I’m going to call the police!
   3. I’m going to ignore you.

   Answer: a) I’m going to ruin you!

2. Scenario: Your boss asks this during a performance review, with a serious tone.
   1. I’m going to give you a raise!
   2. I’m going to provide constructive feedback to help you improve.
   3. I’m going to fire you!

   Answer: b) I’m going to provide constructive feedback to help you improve.

3. Scenario: Someone asks this in a dark alley, sounding threatening.
   1. I’m going to run away!
   2. What do you want?
   3. I’m going to sing a song.

   Answer: b) What do you want?

4. Scenario: A partner asks this playfully.
   1. Nothing.
   2. That depends on you!
   3. I’m leaving.

   Answer: b) That depends on you!

5. Scenario: A child asks this, scared.
   1. Boo!
   2. I’m going to protect you.
   3. I’m going to leave you alone.

   Answer: b) I’m going to protect you.

6. Scenario: A coworker asks this suspiciously.
   1. I don’t know what you are talking about.
   2. Why are you asking?
   3. Yes.

   Answer: b) Why are you asking?

7. Scenario: A stranger asks this aggressively.
   1. I’m calling for help.
   2. I’m going to give you a hug.
   3. I’m going to ignore you.

   Answer: a) I’m calling for help.

8. Scenario: A family member asks this, curiously.
   1. I’m planning a surprise.
   2. I’m not talking to you.
   3. I’m going to move away.

   Answer: a) I’m planning a surprise.

9. Scenario: A lawyer asks this, seriously.
   1. I’m going to defend you to the best of my ability.
   2. I’m going to charge you a lot of money.
   3. I’m going to lose your case.

   Answer: a) I’m going to defend you to the best of my ability.

10. Scenario: A doctor asks this, concerned.
    1. I’m going to run tests to diagnose your condition.
    2. I’m going to ignore your symptoms.
    3. I’m going to send you home.

    Answer: a) I’m going to run tests to diagnose your condition.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of responding to “What are you going to do to me?” involves exploring:

• Subtext and Implication: Recognizing the unspoken message behind the question.
• Power Dynamics: How the relationship between the speakers influences the appropriate response.
• Cultural Differences: How cultural norms affect communication styles and expectations.
• Psychological Factors: Understanding the motivations and fears that drive the question.
• Rhetorical Devices: Using techniques like irony, understatement, and hyperbole to craft effective responses.

Examining legal precedents and case studies can provide insights into how this question is interpreted in different contexts, further refining one’s understanding of its implications.

FAQ

1. Q: Is it always best to be honest when responding to this question?

   A: While honesty is generally a good policy, it’s not always the best approach. In situations where honesty could endanger you or others, strategic evasion or even a lie might be necessary. Context is key.

2. Q: How do I respond if I genuinely don’t know what I’m going to do?

   A: Acknowledge your uncertainty and express your willingness to consider options. For example, you could say, “I’m not entirely sure yet, but I’m open to discussing it with you.”

3. Q: What if the question is asked in a threatening manner?

   A: Prioritize your safety. Remove yourself from the situation if possible. If you can’t leave, remain calm, avoid escalating the conflict, and consider using a neutral or de-escalating response.

4. Q: How can I tell if someone is being serious or joking?

   A: Pay attention to their tone of voice, body language, and the overall context. If you’re unsure, ask for clarification: “Are you being serious?”

5. Q: What if I accidentally give the wrong response?

   A: Acknowledge your mistake and correct it immediately. Apologize if necessary. Clear communication can help mitigate any misunderstandings.

6. Q: How do I handle the question if it’s asked repeatedly?

   A: Address the underlying concern. If the person is seeking reassurance, provide it. If they’re trying to provoke you, remain calm and avoid engaging in their game.

7. Q: What if the question is asked in a professional setting and I don’t want to disclose my plans?

   A: You can say something like: “I’m still developing my strategy, but I will keep you informed as things progress.” This acknowledges the question without revealing sensitive information.

8. Q: Is it ever appropriate to ignore the question?

   A: Yes, in certain situations. If the question is clearly intended to provoke you or if responding would compromise your safety or integrity, ignoring it may be the best option.

9. Q: How can I improve my ability to respond effectively in these situations?

   A: Practice! Role-play different scenarios with friends or colleagues. Pay attention to how others respond in similar situations. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you will become.

10. Q: What if I am being interrogated by law enforcement?

    A: You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise these rights. Do not answer any questions without legal representation present.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of responding to the question “What are you going to do to me?” involves a blend of grammatical understanding, contextual awareness, and strategic communication. By recognizing the different types of responses, practicing their application, and avoiding common mistakes, you can navigate a wide range of situations with confidence and skill.

Remember to always consider the context, tone, and potential impact of your words.

This skill is not just about avoiding conflict; it’s about fostering

trust, building relationships, and communicating your intentions effectively. Whether in playful banter, serious discussions, or tense confrontations, your ability to respond appropriately can make all the difference.