why

I UK [waɪ] / US / US [hwaɪ] adverb ***

Summary:

Why can be used in the following ways: - as a question adverb (introducing a direct or indirect question): Why didn't you phone me? ♦ I know why he's worried. (followed by an infinitive without "to"): We can start now, so why wait? - as a relative adverb (referring back to a noun and introducing a relative clause): She's tired and that's the reason why she's so bad-tempered. (introducing a clause that is the subject, object, or complement of another clause): Everyone in Dublin is so friendly, and that is why I love the city. - as an interjection: Why, what's the matter?

1)

a) used for asking the reason for something

Why are you so angry?

He asked me why I was leaving so early, and I didn't know what to say.

why is it that...?:

Why is it that the country imports so much of its food?

why ever (= used for showing that you are surprised):

"She says she's not coming to the wedding." "Why ever not?"

b) used when someone knows or says the reason for something

I don't know why, but there's something I don't like about that woman.

There are a lot of things we need to discuss, which is why I'm here.

reason why:

I can only think of one reason why Frank should be jealous.

2) spoken used at the beginning of a comment or reply for showing that you are surprised

"Henry's arriving on the twenty-eighth." "Why, that's tomorrow!"

Why, I bet you never had the slightest intention of keeping your promise.

•

why me? — spoken used when you cannot understand why you have been chosen to do something difficult or why something bad has happened to you

Somebody had to take the blame, but why me?

why not...? — spoken used for making a suggestion; spoken used for agreeing to a suggestion or request

Why don't we share the cost of accommodation?

why not do something:

Why not stay for lunch?

"Perhaps we could all meet up at your house?" "Yes, of course, why not?"

why, oh why...? — spoken used when you wish that something had not happened

Why, oh why did you get involved with that awful man?

why should I? — spoken used for rudely refusing to do what someone has just asked you to do

"Tell us what Digby said." "Why should I?"

II UK [waɪ] / US / US [hwaɪ] noun

- the whys and wherefores