Why don't you play vs why are not you playing?
suppose, some boys are playing football in the field. while going to the market, I see my brother standing beside the field and watching them playing. So at this moment,
1. what am I supposed to ask my brother?
a. Why don't you play?
b. why are not you playing?
2. Do the examples above carry the same meaning and can be used interchangeably?
3. If not carrying the same meaning, then in which situations could I use them?
Top answer
e. you are suggesting to your brother that maybe he ought to play. g.
- e.
- you are suggesting to your brother that maybe he ought to play.
- g.
- "I've hurt my foot" or "I wasn't picked for the team".
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In that situation, "Why don't you play?" is more of an encouragement or suggestion; i.e. you are suggesting to your brother that maybe he ought to play. "Why aren't you playing?" is expecting an actual reason as an answer, e.g. "I've hurt my foot" or "I wasn't picked for the team".
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