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Azz Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
Why you didn't
Can one say
a. You did not answer his question. Let's talk about why.
b. You did not answer his question. Let's talk about why you did that.
instead of
c. You did not answer his question. Let's talk about why you didn't.
?
Many thanks.
a. You did not answer his question. Let's talk about why.
b. You did not answer his question. Let's talk about why you did that.
instead of
c. You did not answer his question. Let's talk about why you didn't.
?
Many thanks.
Top answer
” If instead you use sentence (b), there is the risk of confusion and of putting the ‘non-answerer’ on the defensive. The words, “why you did that” are often accusatory. The absence of action is better approached with (a) or (c).
- ” If instead you use sentence (b), there is the risk of confusion and of putting the ‘non-answerer’ on the defensive.
- The words, “why you did that” are often accusatory.
- The absence of action is better approached with (a) or (c).
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1 Answers
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When the introductory sentence is closely followed by the question, it is OK to use (a) “Let’s talk about why.”
If instead you use sentence (b), there is the risk of confusion and of putting the ‘non-answerer’ on the defensive. The words, “why you did that” are often accusatory. The absence of action is better approached with (a) or (c).
If instead you use sentence (b), there is the risk of confusion and of putting the ‘non-answerer’ on the defensive. The words, “why you did that” are often accusatory. The absence of action is better approached with (a) or (c).
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