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 #2 (permalink) Fri Feb 13, 2009 18:06 pm The meaning of 'Why would you do that?' |
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If you did something (in the past) and someone else wants to know the reason he/she will ask: Why did you do that?
If you intend to do something (in the future) and someone else wants to know the reason he/she will ask: Why would you do that?
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con·text - The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning. |
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 Milanya
I'm here quite often ;-)
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Location: Texas, USA (at present)
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| #3 (permalink) Fri Feb 13, 2009 18:54 pm The meaning of 'Why would you do that?' |
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| Milanya wrote: |
| If you intend to do something (in the future) and someone else wants to know the reason he/she will ask: Why would you do that? |
Don't we use 'Why would you do that?' to express our belief or doubt with a surprise?
He: I should not have that rude with her.
She: Why would you do that? (I believe you, you can't do that -- with a less surprise)
He: I should not have that rude with her.
She: Why would you do that? (I did believe you, but now I don't -- with a great surprise)
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First lesson - English, not english. I, not i. ~A student of English |
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Gray
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| #4 (permalink) Fri Feb 13, 2009 19:01 pm The meaning of 'Why would you do that?' |
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We do. It all depends on CONTEXT.
There are many ways to ask a question or express a thought. I gave a very general answer to a general question with no context.
con·text n.
1. The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.
2. The circumstances in which an event occurs; a setting.
-http://www.thefreedictionary.com/context
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con·text - The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning. |
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Milanya
I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 923
Location: Texas, USA (at present)
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| #5 (permalink) Fri Feb 13, 2009 19:32 pm The meaning of 'Why would you do that?' |
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Thank you, Milanya.
I'm sorry for not having given you context. I heard that 'why would you do that?' in sitcom 'Friends' and I didn't know how to put the situation in my English. :( In that situation, they didn't mention something for the future but I think there was some intention to do something. I think I understand now. Thanks again. :) |
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Claire09
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| Using of tenses | Phrase "Enough is enough" |
