Difference between 'Why do we' and 'Why should we'

Question

What is the difference between: "Why do we trust the mayans" and "Why should we trust the mayans"? Thanks.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

fatimah0786"Why do we trust the mayans"

Why do we trust the Mayans?
We do trust them now, but doubt that we can do so in the future.

fatimah0786Why should we trust the mayans"?

Why should we trust the Mayans?

We do not trust them now, and ask for a reason that we can do so in the future. Typically, there is doubt that there is any good reason at all.

Fatimah0786 · Answer

Thanks for answering.
Actually I am still confused about the usage of "Why do we" and "Why should we" as far as day-to-day usage is concerned. Could you please elaborate on that?

CalifJim · Answer

fatimah0786Why do we

We're already doing it. This asks for an explanation of a known habit. Why do we eat soup with a spoon?

fatimah0786Why should we

We're not already doing it, but we're considering whether it might be a good idea to do it. Why should the U.S. normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba?
This form can also be used to protest a requirement or request that is judged to be unfair. Why should I (have to) take the kids to school when the school is on the way to where you work?

'do' and 'should' might seem only slightly different with 'have to', but there's a definite difference:

1. Why do I have to go through Immigration instead of just transferring at Bangkok?
2. Why should I have to go through Immigration instead of just transferring at Bangkok?

1. asks for an explanation of the rules regarding air travel through Bangkok.
2. asks for an explanation of the rules, but with the intent of conveying the idea that the rules are unreasonable or unfair. The implication is "I should not have to do this. It's unfair to require me to do it."

CJ

Sijay · Answer

"Why do we [trust]" makes the assumption that we already trust. It's a question about how we arrived at the current situation of trust, which may have roots in the past.

"Why should we [trust]" is similar, but does not assume that we already trust. It's a question about whether trusting is the right thing to do, either in the present or future.

In practice, there can be overlap in these uses when talking about the present.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

fatimah0786Actually I am still confused about the usage of "Why do we" and "Why should we" as far as day-to-day usage is concerned. Could you please elaborate on that?

Here are more examples:

Why do we study English? (We are studying English now.)
We study English because if we know English well we can get a good job.

Why do kids spend so much time playing on-line games?
The kids like playing those games. The don't want to stop playing.

Why do kids like pop music?
They like pop music because all their friends like it.

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Why should we spend more money to protect the environment? (We spend a little bit now, but not much.)
We should spend more money so that our children will have clean water to drink, and pure air to breathe.

Why should we buy a new motorbike? (We have an old motorbike.)
We should buy a new motorbike because the old one does not run, and it will cost a lot to get it fixed.

Why should we save our money?
We should save our money because if we lose our job, we can use our savings to pay for food and rent while we look for a new job.

Sijay · Answer

Others have touched on the fact that "why should we" is often used confrontationally. It's true.

"Why do we" is asking for reasons; "why should we" is asking for justification and can be seen as demanding.

As such it is best used carefully, when you are sure of your audience and your intent.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Sijay"Why do we" is asking for reasons;

But it can be rhetorical, too.

Why do people keep making the same mistakes over and over again?

Sijay · Answer

AlpheccaStarsBut it can be rhetorical, too.

True. Realistically, should is often used rhetorically.

Why should I have to put up with this nonsense?

Can't most questions be rhetorical?

AlpheccaStars · Answer

SijayCan't most questions be rhetorical?

The "why" and opinion-asking (should, ought to, would) questions can be.

But not information-asking questions:

Where is the nearest post office?
How do you make the perfect bow tie?
When does the next train arrive?

Difference between 'Why do we' and 'Why should we'

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