student asking question

Is to say "why not" same as to say "why?"

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Yes, it does have the same meaning. It just sounds more natural if someone has pointed out that they're not doing something or don't want something. The negative follows the negative. As if asking someone the reason why they DON'T want to do something. But you could use either "why" or "why not" here. Ex: A: I'm not going to visit her anymore. B: Why not? = Why? Ex: A: You shouldn't be mad. B: Why not?

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