116. Why not + infinitive 

Read the following sentence: 

Why not arrange a party in his honor? 

This means ‘Why should we not arrange a party in his honor?’ 

It is a way of suggesting something for other people’s consideration and acceptance.

 • Incorrect: Why not you buy now and pay later? 

• Correct: Why not buy now and pay later? 

• Incorrect: Why not we dismiss the fellow? 

• Correct: Why not dismiss the fellow? 

This is a very common error which should be carefully avoided. No noun or pronoun should come after why not.