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ILE Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary

Why would you do that?

Why would you do that? Does this question almost always carry an unpleasant sense in the question itself? I.e. the speaker is sort of unhappy/mad (the modicum bit still counts) at the recipient?

Native speakers, please help me. Or it’s a general and neutral question to ask why did you do that XXX in the first place?

I feel upset (but really don’t know if I really should) whenever I’m being asked that way. I have tried to act indifferently to that and go straight for answering but I really wish to know if the speaker who uttered those words to me is really getting annoyed at me or just wanted some clarification from me…Struggling emotionally, and maybe unnecessary too!

Thanks.

(BTW, I don't really feel right about placing this question in this section of the forum but to me, it doesn't fit in the grammar section either, Emotion: sweating)

Isabelle
  

Top answer

Hi, It does seem to have a slightly negative feel to it, doesn't it? Much depends on the context, though. I wouldn't get too offended by it.

— Clive

  • Hi, It does seem to have a slightly negative feel to it, doesn't it?
  • Much depends on the context, though.
  • I wouldn't get too offended by it.
  • Clive
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5 Answers
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Hi,

It does seem to have a slightly negative feel to it, doesn't it?

Much depends on the context, though.

I wouldn't get too offended by it.


Clive
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OK. I get it. Thanks, Clive.

Isabelle
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Does this question almost always carry an unpleasant sense in the question itself?
I can think of situations where I would ask that question just to elicit an explanation but in general I'd say it's most often asked in a case where someone is displeased.

Of course, as Clive says, context matters (a lot) so do tone of voice and body language.
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It seems to me that any question that starts with "Why?" is at least somewhat negative unless it's about a scientific fact having nothing to do with anyone personally. To my ear, "Why would you do that?" can be negative, suggesting that your plans to do that are not very sensible or based on good reasoning. On the other hand the same question may be quite innocent. It may stem from an interest
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@ Malrey and CJ, thanks to both of you. Context, tone of voice and body language all matter, all right.

In any case, I think I'll just play safe by treating that "Why would you do that?" light-heartedly.

Isabelle
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