why did you do the thing you did vs did the thing you did

The two phrases are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes. "Why did you do the thing you did" is a complete question asking for the reason behind an action. On the other hand, "did the thing you did" is a statement that lacks context or a question word. Depending on the context, one might be more appropriate than the other.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 765 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask for the reason behind a specific action.

"why did you do the thing you did"

This phrase is a complete question that seeks an explanation for a particular action or behavior.

Show examples from the web [+]

i wanna text multiple people and be like "why did you do the thing you did????" 0 retweets 3 favorites. Reply. Retweet Retweeted. Favorite 3. Favorited 3. More.
Apr 20, 2013 ... ... piece of information caused you to think that was ok. Why did you do the thing you did? Why did you believe it was safe and/or a good idea?

This phrase is correct but lacks context or a question word. It can be used as a statement or a follow-up question depending on the conversation.

"did the thing you did"

This phrase can be used to refer to a specific action without explicitly asking for the reason behind it. It may require additional context to be fully understood.

Show examples from the web [+]

#everyday awards#congratulations#you did the thing#you did something#proud of you#go you#you rock · 706 notes. krakenface. #2amsugarrush#YOU DID ...
Madison:And then he was like--; Madison:NO. I CAN'T EVEN SAY "HE SAID" UGH. Madison:Anyway, so then he was like--; Madison:*shrieks* NO! Me:* laughing ...
Feb 28, 2011 ... You did the thing you did, and it twisted me up. Now I'm wrestling with reality. Waiting for the bell to ring. And you kill me, you still me. Come find ...
Jan 21, 2009 ... KOVA 5 years ago. I wanna know how you did the thing you did within the first 5 seconds. You should make a tutorial. Read more Show less ...

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why did you do the thing you did vs did the thing you did

"why did you do the thing you did"

"did the thing you did"

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