11.9 WH-Questions (Why)
BK 2
1.We use the verb ‘to be’ with Why questions in these ways:
a) Why + the verb ‘to be’ + noun/pronoun + adjective
Example:
Why are Kim and Lim worried?
They can’t find their passports.
Why aren’t you hungry?
I had a huge breakfast.
b) Why + the verb ‘to be’ + noun/pronoun + base form of the verb + ‘ing’
Example:
Why isn’t bus No 24 stopping?
It is already full of passengers.
Why was the baby crying just now?
She wanted some milk.
2. We use the verb ‘to do’ with Why questions in this way:
Why + verb ‘to do’ + noun/pronoun + base form of main verb
Example:
Why does your grandmother want a caravan?
She wanted to travel around the country.
Why did you resign from your job?
I had a better job offer at Intel.
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We use prepositions after the verb ‘to be’ in Why questions in these ways:
Why + verb ‘to be’ + noun/pronoun + prepositions
Example:
Why is this room in a mess?
The children had a pillow fight just now.
Why are you under the bed?
I’m looking for my kitten.
b. Why + the verb ‘to be’ + noun/pronoun + base form of the main verb + ‘ing’
Example:
Why is John hiding behind the door?
He wants to frighten Lim.
Why were you shouting at the children?
They were playing with matches.
Pg 159
Learning English by Uncle Teng 
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