Well in most cases the question is asked wrong. Using your example: Instead of a two part question: Do you own a Car? Where did you get it? Should be a one part question addressing those who own cars: If you own a car, where did you get it? That works if all you want to know is where people get cars. In many instances the question is supposed to be a two parter to get a better idea of the situation. Using your example again. Do you own a car? You can get a broader range of replies, yes or no. The reality is that the next question should read: If yes, where did you get it? Laziness or half thoughts can be the problem, here it is the limitation of characters one can use in a question that leads to 'shoddy' question construction in most cases. People are trying to fit more information in as few as words as possible. Many people do not know how to phrase a question. We are reminded by that in the 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy' where the Answer to Life, The universe and Everything is 42. Then we discover that the question that was asked was the 'wrong question'. Although humor, it is a commentary on the way people ask questions.