why 1 S1 W1 / waɪ / 副词

1 used to ask or talk about the reason for something :

Why are you crying?

Why do we have to take all these tests?

‘She wants to meet you.’ ‘Why?’

‘I won’t be able to come into work tomorrow.’ ‘ Why not ?’

I have no idea why the television isn’t working.

Simon loves you – that’s why he wants to be with you.

He’s angry with me and I don’t know why.

There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be friends.

why on earth/why ever etc (= used for emphasis when you are surprised, angry etc )

Why on earth didn’t you ask me to help?

‘I don’t want us to be seen together.’ ‘Why ever not?’

2 used to introduce a question that shows you do not think it is necessary to do something :

Why worry? You can’t do anything about it.

Why waste time going to the bank when you can do it all over the Internet? SPOKEN PHRASES

3 why not? used to say that you agree with a suggestion :

‘We could invite John and Barbara.’ ‘Yes, why not?’

4 why doesn’t somebody do something?

a) ( also why not do something? ) used to make a suggestion :

Why don’t you bring over a video for us to watch?

Why not relax and enjoy the atmosphere?

b) used to say angrily that someone should do something :

Why don’t you mind your own business?

5 why somebody? used to ask why a particular person has been chosen or is suffering :

Why me? Why can’t someone else drive you?

6 why oh why …? used to show that you are very sorry or angry about something :

Why oh why did I say those horrible things?