What does a question mean starting with uh?

Answer 1

'Uh' is typically a place-holder in the English language. A place-holder is a word, more accurately a sound, which is uttered when we feel uncertainty about what we are about to say.

For examples:

"Uh, Dad, uh, could I borrow the car Saturday?"

"Uh, I didn't like our Pastor's sermon."

"Uh, can I borrow some money."

'Hmm' is another place-holder, especially in spoken English. It also often indicates some uncertainty about what we're going to say, and also allows us a few extra seconds to think of how we will say something.

For examples:

"Hmm, I was wondering, uh, would you like to go to the dance with me on Saturday?"

"Hmm, Doctor, am I pregnant!?"

"Hmm, George, I think we're pregnant."

Both 'Uh' and 'Hmm' in a sentence can also indicate we are uncertain how the other person will react to what we're going to say.

For example:

"You know I love you... Uh, Sally, will you marry me?"

"Hmm...close your eyes and put out your hands... Surprise!" (as the speaker puts a gift into another person's hands.

"Hmmm, you know your Dad and I would do anything for you. Uh, but, money's tight this year, so...uh... we won't be able to help you buy a car this year."