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Gravedigger Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

What for V.S why ...

What is the difference in meaning between these sentences?

A. Why did you do that?

B. What did you do that for?

With all my respect...

GRAVEDIGGER
  

Top answer

Hi, There's no real difference. B is associated more with speech. Clive

— Clive

  • Hi, There's no real difference.
  • B is associated more with speech.
  • Clive
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2 Answers
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Hi,

There's no real difference.
B is associated more with speech.

Clive
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There is HUGE difference. Sadly, most people do not know that rule.

"Why" asks for the cause, while "what for" asks for the effect.
Here is an example:

Assume that I am slicing some chicken.

- Why are you slicing some chicken?
- Well, the breast was whole (cause) so I am slicing it (effect).

- What are you slicing some chicken for?
- I am slicing som
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