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Does the question "why?" sometimes feel too strong or uncomfortable in English? In this episode, we talk about why "why" can sound rude in English and what you can say instead to keep conversations comfortable and natural.
You'll learn six gentle alternatives that help you ask about personal choices, life changes, and meaningful stories without putting pressure on the other person.
These simple questions make it easier to stay curious, build trust, and speak confidently in real conversations.
In this episode, you'll learn: • Why "why" can sound judgmental or demanding • How tone changes the meaning of your questions • Six natural, polite questions to use instead • Everyday examples you can try right away
If you'd like more real-life English practice in a supportive community, you can learn about the Confident Women Community here: https://speakconfidentenglish.com/community
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 The Problem with 'Why'
02:40 Alternatives to 'Why'
03:06 What Brought You...
04:26 What Led You To...
05:41 How Did That Come About...
06:54 What Made You Think Of...
07:57 What Inspired...
09:20 I'd Love to Hear How...
10:50 Recap & Practice
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Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified.
Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/why-sounds-rude-in-english-heres-what-to-say-instead
If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish
COME SAY 'HI!'
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish
MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:
How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.
By Annemarie — Speak Confident English5
44 ratings
Does the question "why?" sometimes feel too strong or uncomfortable in English? In this episode, we talk about why "why" can sound rude in English and what you can say instead to keep conversations comfortable and natural.
You'll learn six gentle alternatives that help you ask about personal choices, life changes, and meaningful stories without putting pressure on the other person.
These simple questions make it easier to stay curious, build trust, and speak confidently in real conversations.
In this episode, you'll learn: • Why "why" can sound judgmental or demanding • How tone changes the meaning of your questions • Six natural, polite questions to use instead • Everyday examples you can try right away
If you'd like more real-life English practice in a supportive community, you can learn about the Confident Women Community here: https://speakconfidentenglish.com/community
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 The Problem with 'Why'
02:40 Alternatives to 'Why'
03:06 What Brought You...
04:26 What Led You To...
05:41 How Did That Come About...
06:54 What Made You Think Of...
07:57 What Inspired...
09:20 I'd Love to Hear How...
10:50 Recap & Practice
---
Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified.
Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/why-sounds-rude-in-english-heres-what-to-say-instead
If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish
COME SAY 'HI!'
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish
MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:
How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.

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