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'Why' is a WH word, which is mainly used in question form. In this lesson, we will learn everything about this word.
Why is one of the WH-words with three functions that we will cover in this lesson.
Functions of 'Why'
1. 'Why' as an Interrogative Adverb
Use
Why as an interrogative adverb asks questions about the reason for something, gives suggestions, or expresses annoyance.
Take a look at the uses of why and some examples:
- Why is used to ask about the reason for something. For example:
- Why is used to give suggestions. It is only used for the first and second person subjects. In this case, negation is needed. Look:
'I' is the first-person subject, and a negative verb has been used.
- Why is used with a negative verb to show the annoyance or anger of the speaker. For example:
Position in a Sentence
Tip
1. The subjects I and we are replaced with you in questions.
2. If there is a main verb in a sentence, a semi-auxiliary or an auxiliary verb is needed for interrogation.
For example:
Warning
Why is an interrogative adverb that can be used alone and shows emotions like surprise or anger. For example:
2. 'Why' as a Relative Adverb
Use
Why as a relative adverb connects an independent clause to an adjective clause. Why heads the adjective clause that plays the role of an adjective for the noun 'reason' in the independent clause. Here is an example:
I would like to work at Google, the reason
The adjective clause 'why I believe I can develop my skills' modifies the noun 'reason.'
Position in a Sentence
Why as a relative adverb always comes at the beginning of the adjective clause. The adjective clause itself always follows the independent clause.
There is an example below:
That was one reason
'Why I would like to be there' always comes after the independent clause 'that was one reason.'
Tip
The relative adverb why is sometimes left out and 'that' is replaced. For example:
I would like to work at Google, the reason
3. 'Why' as a Nominal Relative Pronoun
Use
Why as a nominal relative pronoun connects a dependent clause to an independent one. The dependent clause which is introduced by why is called the nominal relative clause. The relative clause is nominal because it is either the object or the subject of the independent clause.
There is an example below:
I wonder
'Why you are here' is the nominal relative clause and plays the role of an object for 'wonder.'
Position in a Sentence
Why as a relative pronoun always comes at the beginning of the relative clause.
For example:
I wonder
'Why you are here' cannot be used before the independent clause.
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