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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 02-Aug-2007, 23:26
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Default why

What's the use of "why" in this sentence?

Why how nice of you to remember.
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Old 02-Aug-2007, 23:40
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Default Re: why

According to the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, "why" can be used as an interjection:

Why: interjection (old-fashioned)

used when you are surprised or have suddenly realized something

eg:
Why, look who's here!
And I thought to myself, why, I can do that
.
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Old 02-Aug-2007, 23:42
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Default Re: why

Can I use it everytime I get surprised or are there any prohibitions too?
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Old 03-Aug-2007, 00:02
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Default Re: why

I don't think you can use it everytime you want to express surprise because it's an old-fashioned expression. But you should ask a native speaker whether there are restrictions or not.

Good luck!
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Old 03-Aug-2007, 00:08
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Default Re: why

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boadicea View Post
I don't think you can use it everytime you want to express surprise because it's an old-fashioned expression. But you should ask a native speaker whether there are restrictions or not.

Good luck!
Thanks! I hope some natives there take a look at this thread soon....
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Old 03-Aug-2007, 00:21
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Default Re: why

I don't see any reason why you cannot use it. You may sound pleasantly old-fashioned but not archaic.
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Old 03-Aug-2007, 00:28
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Default Re: why

Why, thank you for the reply Anglika!

Do I need a comma after "why" in this sentence?
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Old 03-Aug-2007, 00:43
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Default Re: why

Yes!
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Old 03-Aug-2007, 00:46
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Default Re: why

Why, thank you Anglika!

Should it always be an exclamation at the end wheneverI use an interjection in a sentence?
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