Why usage: Why don't I talk to her vs Why I don't talk to her

[Bulone]

1. "You might ask why don't I talk to her"

2. "You might ask why I don't talk to her"

I'm not sure which one is acceptable. Should I construct why clause the way I do in question sentence(why+auxiliary..) or why+subj+auxiliary..

[SkiIucK]

The second one is correct, but if you told me the first, I'd accept it. :)

[Esl_Expert]

Hello Bulone,

Your sentence does not contain a direct question, but rather an indirect one. Use the same word order that is typically used for indirect questions. Compare these direct and indirect questions:

DIRECT: What did he say to you?
INDIRECT: I would like to know what he said to you.

DIRECT: What time is it?
INDIRECT: Can you tell me what time it is?

DIRECT: Will he be coming to the party?
INDIRECT: Do you know whether he will be coming to the party?

DIRECT: Why don't I talk to her? *
INDIRECT: You might ask why I don't talk to her.

*In the direct question format, your sentence is a bit ambiguous. It sounds as though you might simply be making a suggestion (i.e. "I suggest that I talk to her"). However, the indirect question here means that you are about answer someone else's question (a question that might theoretically be asked), and I would expect you to then explain your reasons for not talking to her.

______________________________
“We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself.” ~ Lloyd Alexander

[Bulone]

What a thorough explanation! Thanks a bunch Expert. And thank you too skituck.