why · adv
why (ASK ABOUT REASON)
A1 used to ask about the reason for something
Dictionary examples:
Why cry? Laugh at bad jokes! (0.0)
Why talk? Use funny faces only! (0.0)
Why eat broccoli? Ice cream's better! (0.0)
"I'm going home." "Why?" (7.1)
Why wait? Let's leave now. (7.8)
Why did you choose to live in Phoenix? (11.1)
why (TALK ABOUT REASON)
B1 used to talk about the reason for something
Dictionary examples:
I don't understand why my computer works when I hit it. Magic, maybe? (0.0)
Why do we say 'slept like a baby'? Babies wake up every two hours! (0.0)
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side! (0.0)
I don't know why she isn't here. (8.6)
Exactly why he died is a mystery. (20.3)
There is no reason why we shouldn't succeed. (23.5)
why not?
B1 used to agree with something that someone has suggested
Dictionary examples:
"Should we order pizza for breakfast?" "Why not? We're adults now!" (0.0)
"Should we try to count all the stars tonight?" "Why not? We've got nothing but time." (0.0)
"Let's teach our dog to meow." "Why not? It'll confuse the neighbors." (0.0)
"Let's get some ice cream." "Sure, why not?" (13.2)
why don't you?/ why not do sth?
A2 used to make a suggestion
Dictionary examples:
Why don't you eat ice cream for breakfast? (0.0)
Why don't you dance while doing your homework? (0.0)
Why not try walking backwards to work? (0.0)
Why don't you come with us? (10.1)
Why not give it a try? (23.1)