What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wherefore
Example
Wherefore doth thou weep? [wherefore: archaic or formal]
Example
Wherefore art thou Romeo? [wherefore: archaic or poetic]
why
Example
Why did you do that? [why: interrogative pronoun]
Example
I don't understand why he's so angry. [why: conjunction]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Why is much more commonly used than wherefore in everyday language. Why is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while wherefore is less common and mostly used in literature or religious texts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wherefore and why?
Wherefore is typically associated with a more formal and archaic tone, while why is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
