How-Why | Commonly Confused Words
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How vs. Why

How

/haʊ/
Used to ask about the way or manner something is done

Examples:

How are you?Your job isn't to know the 'how.'"I know how to care for them.

Synonyms:

This word has no synonyms

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Why

/(h)waɪ/
Used to ask for what reason or purpose something happened

Examples:

Why did you do that?"Why, hello, Frank," he exclaimed, sheepishly, "where do you come from?"Why, great heavens, man, the railways are there behind them.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • How is used to inquire about the way or manner in which something is done.
  • Why seeks to uncover the reason or purpose behind an action or event.
  • You can think of how as focusing on the process and why as focusing on the cause.
  • If you ask how, youre looking for instructions or explanations. For why, youre looking for reasons or motivations.
  • Remember: How involves steps; Why involves reasons.
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