Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[kaho]

"Let me ask you a question now right off the bat."
I quoted this sentence from a website dictionary, but do you say like this?

[Bill P.]

Yes, people in the United States say this. It is correct, and it is a common expression. It would be a little more clear with a comma after "now": "Let me ask you a question now, right off the bat."

[Cas]

[kaho]

Thank you, Bill P. and Cas

I'm getting it, butI wanted to use the phrase when I want to ask someone to do what the person offers for me without hasitating right when the person offers.
I don't know what to say. Let me give you some examples.

Someone says, "if you have a question, you can ask me anytime."
And I say, "let me ask you a question right off the bat."

Or, someone says,"You are welcome to have whatever you want in the refrigerator."
And I say," I want to have something right off the bat"

Can I use the phrase like that