why

Everyday

1. A question word that asks for the reason or cause of something. tree →
2. Used to join a reason to a sentence: «That is why I am late.» tree →
3. An old-fashioned word that shows surprise: «Why, it's you!» tree →
4. (casual) «Why not?» means yes, let's; «y» or «y tho» is texting for why. tree →
5. (casual) «Why me?» is a complaint about bad luck; «why oh why» shows despair. tree →
6. (rough) «Why the hell…?» or «why on earth…?» shows anger or shock: «Why the hell did you eat all 8?» tree →
7. (formal) «For what reason», «on what grounds», «account for» and «identify the principal reason for» are stiff ways to ask why: «Account for the observed change.» tree →

In the lessons

In science, «why» questions ask for causes and explanations: why the sky is blue, why ice floats. In maths, «Explain why» means show your reasoning, not just the answer. In stories, a «why» question often starts the mystery. In casual talk: «y tho», «why not», «why u late». In the exam voice: «Identify the principal reason for…», «Justify your answer», «Account for…». Phrases: why not, that is why, the reason why, why on earth, how and why.

Examples

• Why is the sky blue? tree →
• Why did you leave the door open? tree →
• That is why we wear helmets. tree →
• Explain why your answer is correct. tree →
• I don't know why the plant died. tree →
• Why not try again tomorrow? tree →
• Why, what a lovely surprise! tree →
• Nobody knows why the dog barked. tree →
• why u late, bus was at 8:40 (casual) tree →
• «Pizza?» «Why not!» (casual) tree →
• Why the hell did you eat all 8 cookies? (rough) tree →
• Identify the principal reason for the evaporation of water from an open vessel. (formal exam) tree →
• "Why are you knocking me about?" tree →

Note

«Why» questions are answered with «because». «Explain why» in a test wants a reason, not just a number. Do not confuse with «which» or «what». In a question the verb comes before the subject: «Why are you sad?» not «Why you are sad?» (but casual talk often says «why you sad?»). «Why» does not change the numbers in a maths problem; it asks you to give the reason. «Why not?» is often a yes. Formal «justify» and «account for» = say why.

In Jewish tradition

Used for questions, often from God or people in distress ("Why art thou wroth?"). In the primary lessons: In science, «why» questions ask for causes and explanations: why the sky is blue, why ice floats. In maths, «Explain why» means show your reasoning, not just the answer. In stories, a «why» question often starts the mystery. In casual talk: «y tho», «why not», «why u late». In the exam voice: «Identify the principal reason for…», «Justify your answer», «Account for…». Phrases: why not, that is why, the reason why, why on earth, how and why.

Examples

• And the LORD said unto Cain: 'Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? (Torah GEN.4.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• Why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.' (Torah EXO.2.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Moses said: 'I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.' (Torah EXO.3.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Why did the knees receive me? (Writings JOB.3.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• And why do thine eyes wink? (Writings JOB.15.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• Awake, why sleepest Thou, O Lord? (Writings PSA.44.24, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Why» questions are answered with «because». «Explain why» in a test wants a reason, not just a number. Do not confuse with «which» or «what». In a question the verb comes before the subject: «Why are you sad?» not «Why you are sad?» (but casual talk often says «why you sad?»). «Why» does not change the numbers in a maths problem; it asks you to give the reason. «Why not?» is often a yes. Formal «justify» and «account for» = say why.