Why why not

He seems to be talking about the weather, and usually we don't ask 'why' about the weather. Perhaps I misunderstand the context, and 'why' is a reasonable question.

It's hard to understand exactly what is meant without more context, as others have said. Without that, it's hard to know what's right and wrong. Yes, they were talking about the weather. Can't Why no or Why "no" make sense? As you can see , the negative answer was "no, no" instead of "not".

That's why I think Why no or Why 'no' may sound better. Looking forward to your replies! If "why no" means "Why is your answer 'No'"? As long as that meaning is clear to the speaker and listener. By "why no" is not a general substitute for why not? Click to expand As you can see from the replies so far, it's not easy to understand the OP conversation.

In it, what exactly do you want 'why? What would be the full question? What reply would you expect to 'Why? A: We can't go. B: Why not? I don't understand 2. We are going around in circles here. Angelya said:. My question is that whether "why" can substitute "why the answer is 'no' 'why is the answer "no"? Thanks heypresto said:. As you can see from the posts above, saying just 'Why? It needs to be clearer - for the poor old man and the reader: Why "no"? Why do you say "no"?

I believe Cagey thought the question 'Why? Which would be a correct, but very odd question. We don't usually ask 'why' about the weather. I'm pretty sure that now you've explained what you want 'why' to actually be asking, Cagey would agree that 'Why "no"? Cagey said:. My opinion: "I'm not feeling well. If you want to know what the trouble is, you would ask a different question. For instance, you might ask " What's wrong? If, say, a parent were to announce " We're not going to the movies tonight ", I'd expect the children to cry out " Why?

I wouldn't. I would expect "Why not? A: I want to go to the movies, but I can't. A: I've been really tired and haven't washed my hair in 6 days.

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