"WH Questions" en Inglés: uso de "why"

Understanding "why" questions in English is fundamental to maintaining fluent conversations and obtaining information about reasons and motivations. These questions allow us to delve deeper into the explanations behind actions, decisions and situations, enriching our ability to communicate in English. Mastering these types of questions will help you express yourself more accurately and better understand the context of conversations.

How do we use "why" to formulate questions?

"Why" is an interrogative word that we use when we need to understand reasons or explanations. Unlike yes or no questions, "why" questions require open-ended, explanatory answers. These questions are essential when we don't understand something and need more information.

For example:

• Why are you here?
• Answer: Because I have class.

An important aspect of questions that begin with "why" is that they are usually answered using "because," since we are providing an explanation or reason.

Other examples:

• Why is she so happy?

• Answer: Because it's her birthday.

• Why is it cold?

• Answer: Because it's winter.

How to form questions with "why" and the verb "to be"?

The basic structure for forming these questions is:

1. We start with "why".
2. We continue with the verb "to be" (am, is, are).
3. Then we place the subject
4. We end with the complement and the question mark.

For example:

• Why are you so angry?
• Answer: Because I'm tired. I want to go home.

In this structure, "are" is the form of the verb "to be" that corresponds to the subject "you".

How to formulate questions with "why" and other action verbs?

We can also create "why" questions using verbs other than "to be". In these cases, we need to use the auxiliaries "do" or "does" depending on the subject.

The structure is:

1. We start with "why".
2. We continue with "do" or "does" (depending on the subject).
3. Then we place the subject
4. Then the verb in its base form
5. We finish with the complement and the question mark.

Examples:

• Why do you like pizza?

• Answer: Because it's delicious.

• Why does he watch TV?

• Answer: Because he is bored.

• Why do you go to school?

• Answer: Because I like to study.

When to use "do" and when to use "does"?

The rule is simple:

• We use "does" with subjects: he, she, it (third person singular).
• We use "do" with subjects: I, you, you, we, they (first and second person, and plurals).

For example:

• Why do you have a dog?
• Answer: Because I love animals.

In this case, the structure is:

• "Why" (interrogative word).
• "do" (auxiliary corresponding to the subject "you")
• "you" (subject)
• "have" (verb in the base form)
• "a dog" (complement)

How to identify the correct form in a question with "why"?

Let's see a practical example: Why _____ he study English?

The options are: do, is, does.

The correct answer is "does" porque:

• It is not "do" because the question is about "he" (third person singular), not about "you", "we" or "they".
• It is not "is" because we have a different action verb ("study"), not the verb "to be".
• "Does" is the correct choice because the question is about "he" (third person singular) and we have an action verb.

Therefore, the correct question is: Why does he study English?

Why" questions are powerful tools for eliciting explanations and delving into the reasons behind actions and situations. Mastering their structure will allow you to communicate more fluently and accurately in English. How about you? Why do you study English? Share your reasons and practice the structure we just learned.