why · adverb /waɪ/Full view
why (ASK ABOUT REASON)
A1 used to ask about the reason for something
Dictionary examples:

"I'm going home." "Why?"

Why did you choose to live in London?

Why wait? Let's leave now.

Learner example:

Why couldn't you come? (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

why (TALK ABOUT REASON)
B1 used to talk about the reason for something
Dictionary examples:

I don't know why she isn't here.

Quite why he isn't here today is a mystery.

There is no reason why we shouldn't succeed.

Learner example:

Also, you didn't say why the photography and painting courses were so popular. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

why don't you?/ why not do sth?
A2 used to make a suggestion
Dictionary examples:

Why don't you come with us?

Why not give it a try?

Learner example:

Why don't we play tennis? (Key English Test; A2; French)

why not?
B1 used to agree with something that someone has suggested
Dictionary example:

"Let's have an ice cream." "Yes, why not?"

Learner example:

She said, I have two tickets for a new film [with] Tom Cruise - would you like to come with me? Well I said why not, so I went with her to see this film. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

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