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A previous question (What part of speech is 'why' ?) asked what function 'why' was playing when it is used with a verb.

But 'why' can be used without a verb.

Why the sad face ?

So what is it doing when it is all on its own ?

Nigel J
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    "Why do you have the sad face?" is understood. The verb is missing because the phrase can easily be understood without it. This is an ellipsis - very common in idiomatic, spoken English. – Dan Nov 07 '18 at 12:11
  • So the missing words are an ellipsis, but what part of speech is the 'why' ? – Nigel J Nov 07 '18 at 18:40
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    Looks like 'why' is an interrogative adverb - https://www.ef.com/english-resources/english-grammar/interrogative-adverbs/ - if that helps at all – Dan Nov 07 '18 at 23:26
  • But adverbs modify verbs. And there is no verb . . . . . . – Nigel J May 30 '23 at 03:04

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