1.He asked me why I didn't run and fetch the doctor.
2.He asked me to run and fetch the doctor.
I wanted to know which sentence is more natural and formal for reprted speech.
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Why not? I am puzzled as to why @Josh has deleted his answer.– WS2Commented Jan 30, 2017 at 11:53
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Why not include in your question the research you've done? :)– NVZ ♦Commented Jan 30, 2017 at 11:57
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1I think Longman is referring to "Why not?" as an entire reply to a question. Your example just uses uses why and not in the same sentence.– jimm101Commented Jan 30, 2017 at 12:53
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I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it is a misinterpretation of a reference book.– jimm101Commented Jan 30, 2017 at 12:54
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I have edited my question.– learnerCommented Jan 30, 2017 at 14:14
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1 Answer
In answer to OP's original [amended here]
According to Longman Dictionary [reference needed],
"Why not" is a "spoken phrase" used to say that you agree with a suggestion.
My question is: Can I use Why not? in 'formal writing' as in the following sentence:
We then thought we might investigate whether an increase in the temperature resulted in a better yield. Why not?
According to Wordreference.com:
why not interj informal
(expressing openness to try [sth])
