why not
The phrase 'why not' is commonly used in conversational English to express openness to suggestions or to question the reasons against something.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B1Conversation
(informal)Used to express agreement or approval of a suggestion.
Example
- Let's go to the beach tomorrow. — Sure, why not?
B1Conversation
(informal, rhetorical)Used to ask for a reason or justification for not doing something.
Example
- I don't want to join the gym. — Why not?
B1Conversation
(informal, proposal)Used to introduce a suggestion or idea.
Example
- Why not try the new restaurant downtown?
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "why not":