why
Translation
why
Examples
Why are you late?
Why are you late?
I don't know why he left.
I don't know why he left.
That is the reason why I came.
That is the reason why I came.
Grammar Patterns
((auxiliary verb)) ((subject)) ((verb))? used to ask for a reason. Why did you say that?
((clause)) used as a conjunction. He explained why he was absent.
Similar Words
Synonyms: for what reason, for what purpose
Etymology
From Old English 'hwȳ', the instrumental case of 'hwæt' (what), meaning 'for what (reason)'.
Memory Tips
'Why' asks for a reason or an explanation. Think of it as asking 'for what reason?'.