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Why

Why is a wh-word. We use why to talk about reasons and explanations.

Why as a question word​

We can use why to ask about reasons and explanations:

  • Why did he leave home when he was 16?
  • Why didn’t you tell Gemma?
  • Why is the Earth round?

We can use why in indirect questions:

  • He asked me why I wanted to leave the job.
  • I wonder why he told nobody he was getting married.

We can use why on its own as a response:

  • A: I’m going home now.
  • B: Why*?*

When we reply to a negative statement, we usually say why not?:

  • A: I don’t like it here.
  • B: Why not?

Why: asking for reasons​

When we ask for reasons in speaking, we can use the phrase why is that? In informal conversations we often say why’s that?:

  • A: Look, the moth is attracted to the light.
  • B: Why is that?
  • A: I’m not sure.
  • A: She’s not going to college this year.
  • B: Why’s that?
  • A: She says she wants to travel for a while.

We can use why ever or why on earth to add emphasis and to show shock or surprise. We usually stress ever and earth:

  • A: Beth has decided to go on holiday by herself this year.
  • B: Why ever would anyone want to go on holiday alone?
  • Why on earth has Julie bought me this expensive present?

In informal contexts we sometimes use what for? with the same meaning of asking for a reason:

  • A: Ann’s going to be really upset with me.
  • B: What for?
  • A: I forgot to call her back last night.
warning

We don’t use why as a conjunction when we mean because:

  • I’m going home now because I’m tired.
  • Not: … why I’m tired.

That’s why …: giving reasons​

We often use the phrase that’s why to give a reason:

  • A: Frank and Ellen have three children now.
  • B: That’s why they moved house. They needed more space.
  • A: Ian’s not been feeling well recently, has he?
  • B: No. That’s why he’s taken some time off.

Why should …: expressing annoyance​

When we are annoyed about something, we sometimes use the phrase why should:

  • Why should taxpayers have to pay more because the government has not managed its spending properly?
  • Why should old people have to worry about health insurance?

Why should I? as a response is very direct and rude:

  • [A is a mother and B is a child who is opening and closing the car window]
  • A: Stop doing that.
  • B: Why should I?

Why don’t and why not: making suggestions​

We use why don’t and why not to make suggestions:

  • Why don’t we leave the washing-up until tomorrow morning? It’s too late now. (or Why not leave the washing up …)
See also
  • Suggestions

Why not?: showing agreement​

We can use the phrase why not? as a reply which shows that we agree to a suggestion or request:

  • A: How about we invite Barbara and Gina round on Saturday night?
  • B: Why not*? We haven’t seen them in a long time*.

Typical error​

Be careful not to use why instead of because:

  • I have not placed an order for a long time because I am unhappy with the last delivery.
  • Not: I have not placed an order for a long time why I am unhappy …
See also
  • Reason why