Why no vs why not

Both "why no" and "why not" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Why not" is a common phrase used to express agreement or permission, while "why no" is less common and may be used in specific situations to emphasize a negative response.

Last updated: April 03, 2024 • 435 views

Why no

This phrase is less common than "why not" but can be used in specific situations to emphasize a negative response.

Use "why no" when you want to emphasize a negative response or refusal to a question or suggestion.

Examples:

A: Can you come with us? B: Why no, I have other plans.
Why no one told me about the meeting?
Why no response from them?
Why no action was taken?
Why no mention of this in the report?

Show examples from the web [+]

Why no reports of human deaths?
Why no tea for a change.
gets the creative juices flowing. Why no listing for zucchini, green beans, spinach, or greens.
And you wonder why no man can stay with you.
Why no protests from Africans he had made fun of?
Why no revolution has ever implemented the redistribution of wealth?
Why no concern for their safety?
Why no plaques on her mri?
Why no matter how hard we try we can't be perfect?
Ok? Why no you relax, woman?
Good points: Great location Lots of space Clean and Tidy Nice pool area Kitchen well equipped Comfortable Bad points: Why no information about the villa available?
Thursday, May 9, 2013 - 9:34 (UTC) - Why no revolution has ever changed the hierarchical structure of the human system?
"Why no letters or phone calls?" or "Where the hell have you been half my life?"
Why no picture of the guys on the cover? Was that the band's choice or yours?
Why no mention of the programmes for PHARE and TACIS where the rumours are as serious and as widespread?
"Why no bacon?" "Why get circumcised?"
Why no hearings, no denunciations, no people getting arrested in front of the Rwandan embassy or in front of the White House?
Why no hearings, no denunciations, no people getting arrested in front of the Rwandan embassy or in front of the White House? What's the deal?
That's why no matter people try to do...
I want to find out why no arrests were made.

Alternatives:

why not
why didn't
why wasn't
why no one
why no response

why not

This is a common phrase used to express agreement, permission, or to suggest an alternative.

Use "why not" when you want to express agreement, permission, or suggest an alternative to a question or suggestion.

Examples:

A: Shall we go for a walk? B: Why not, it's a beautiful day.
Why not ask for help if you need it?
Why not try a different approach?
Why not consider other options?
Why not join us for dinner?

Show examples from the web [+]

Traveling to the Dominican Republic: why not.
So why not Frankie Wilde hummus?
I don't see why not.
I don't see why not.
Give me one reason why not.
I don't see why not, George.
At Capannina Beach why not? ...
ANGELO - why not? Or even a cult-book...
This plugin is particularly suitable for venues, musicians and why not, cinemas.
So the RIC, why not...
No reason why not, Bill.
I don't see why not, man.
And why not? Nike is working with Flextronics.
And why not, there are many different events to compete in.
True and authentic, whose work makes woman beautiful and why not happy.
And why not? It's the question that makes us fly.
If we would have the chance to be successful, why not.
I don't see why not, dear.
I would just rather you tell me why not.
PET bottle wine, why not? Sistec presents the new...

Alternatives:

why no
why didn't
why wasn't
why not ask
why not try

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