Hi, friends! How are you?

In previous posts, we talked about WH questions. You learned WHAT, WHERE, WHEN and WHICH. There are more WH words.

Today, you will learn about the question word “why” and how to answer questions with it.

WHY

You use “why” to make questions in English. “why” means you want an explanation, you want a reason. When you ask a question with “why” you want to know the purpose of something. Take a look at some examples

WHY do you study English? In this question, I’m asking you to give me an explanation, a reason to “why” you study English.

WHY is Jack sad? In this question, Jack is feeling sad :(. I want to know the reason, an explanation to “WHY” he is sad.

“why” is only used to ask questions. When we answer questions with “why”, we have to use the word “because”. “Because” is used to “answer” questions with “why”. When you start giving your explanation when you start explaining the reasons, you start with the word “because” Take a look at the answers to the examples I gave before:

WHY do you study English? Because I like English. In this case, I explain the reason “why” I study English. I  like English.

WHY is Jack sad? Because he broke the vase

Why is Susie tired? She is tired BECAUSE she worked all day!

WHY does Peter eat vegetables? he eats vegetables BECAUSE he likes them!

In the first example, I started to answer the question with the word “because”. In the other examples, I repeated part of the question

and then used the word “because” He eats vegetables BECAUSE he likes them. Both options are possible, ok?

 

Teacher, Can I use “why” in affirmative & negative sentences or only in questions?

Many students ask me this question. Is “‘why” only used in questions? The answer is NO! Sometimes we can use “why” in affirmative and negative sentences. However, these are specific situations, and “why” is not usually alone, it is part of an expression. I will show you some popular expressions with “why” which we use in affirmative or negative sentences.

 

• That’s why – this means – that’s the reason why. For example.

Suzie is sick. That’s why she is not going to work today. (in this case, I am explaining the reason why Suzie is not going to work today)

I don’t know why: It is not really an expression, but it is very commonly used. For example

I don’t know why Mary is angry, but if she needs to talk, I’m here for her. *(in this case, I’m saying I don’t know the reason “why”  Mary is angry)

You can even use the verb “understand” or “get” (get = understand, in this case)

I don’t understand why my mother doesn’t like my boyfriend. (or you could say: I don’t get “why” my mother doesn’t like my boyfriend) that means you don’t understand the reason, the explanation.

 

Do you have any questions? If so I would love to see your questions here in the comments! Now I have some questions for you:

1. Do you like to practice sports? Why (why not?)
2. Who is your favorite actor/actress? Why?
3. Why do you want to learn English?
4. Do you like to stay home on weekends? Why? (why not?)
5. What is your favorite band? Why?
6. why do you work?
7. what is your biggest dream? Why?

Did you like this post?!So,  please share it with all your friends!

 

Teacher Prix