Why did you do that?

Meaning: This is a question to ask someone why they did something. It's like saying, Please tell me the reason why you behaved or acted in that way.

Choice of Words: Why is a question word used to ask about the reason or cause of something. Did is a past tense form of the verb 'do', which indicates an action or occurrence. You is a pronoun that refers to the person being spoken to. That refers to a specific action or behavior. When you ask "Why did you do that?," you are asking someone to explain the reason behind their action or behavior.

Alternative Expressions

What made you do that?

Meaning: This means to ask someone what caused them to do something. It's like saying, Can you tell me what happened that made you act that way?

Choice of Words: What is used to ask about something specific. Made is the past tense of make, which means to cause something to happen. You refers to the person being asked the question. That refers to a specific action or behavior that has been done. When you put them together, "What made you do that?" is a question asking about the reason or cause behind a past action.

Can you explain why you did that?

Meaning: This means to ask someone to give a reason or explanation for why they did something. It's like saying, Can you please tell me what made you do that?

Choice of Words: Can is used to ask for permission or ability. You refers to the person being asked the question. Explain means to give a reason or explanation for something. Why is used to ask for a reason or explanation. Did is the past tense of do, which means to take action. That refers to a specific action or behavior that has been done. When you put them together, "Can you explain why you did that?" is a polite question asking someone to give a reason or explanation for a past action.

Related Expressions