Why not习惯上接动词的原形形式,表示“何妨;何不”。Why not只用来指将来的情况,不能用于指过去的情况。
I could have lent you the money. Why didn’t you ask me? 我那时是能借钱给你的。你为什么没有向我借? (不能直接说Why not ask me?)
Why not just wait and see what happens? 为什么不静观其变呢?
You’re looking tired. Why not take a holiday? 你一脸倦容,怎么不休假呢?
-Let’s meet at the station. 我们在车站见面吧。
-Why not at the hotel? 在饭店不行吗? (其中省略了谓语动词)
Why not wait till the winter sales to buy a new coat? 为什么不等到冬季大贱卖时再买一件新外衣呢?
Why didn’t you come when I called your name? 我喊你的名字的时候,你为什么不来?
Why not retrain for a job which will make you happier? 为什么不接受新的培训,找一份让你更快乐的工作?
Why not throw it all in the pot and see what happens? 为什么不把它全扔进罐子,看看会发生什么变化?
Why not wipe the slate clean and start all over again? 为什么不洗心革面、从头来过呢?
