Dictionary monolingual
English
What
(h)wət
Extremely common
0 - 100
0 - 100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
What -
Asking for information or clarification
Example: What is your name?
Usage: formal/informalContext: everyday conversations, interviews, meetings
Note: One of the most common uses of 'what' to seek information or understanding.
Expressing surprise or disbelief
Example: What! You won the competition?
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations
Note: Used to show astonishment or shock.
Asking for repetition or confirmation
Example: What did you say?
Usage: formal/informalContext: when someone didn't hear or understand clearly
Note: Commonly used to ask someone to repeat or clarify what they said.
Expressing emphasis or intensity
Example: What a beautiful day!
Usage: informalContext: appreciating something
Note: Used to emphasize a feeling or reaction.
Asking about someone's opinion or preferences
Example: What do you think about the movie?
Usage: formal/informalContext: discussions, reviews
Note: Commonly used to inquire about thoughts or feelings.
What's synonyms
Which
Used to ask about a choice or selection between options.
Example: Which book do you want to read?
Note: While 'what' is more general, 'which' is used when there are specific options to choose from.
Which one
Similar to 'which,' used to ask about a specific choice among options.
Example: Which one is your favorite color?
Note: Adding 'one' emphasizes the selection of a single item among multiple options.
Whatever
Used to indicate that the specific choice or option does not matter.
Example: You can choose whatever you like from the menu.
Note: While 'what' asks for a specific answer, 'whatever' implies a more open or indifferent attitude towards the choice.
Which one of
Similar to 'which one,' used to inquire about a specific choice among a group of options.
Example: Which one of these paintings do you think is the most beautiful?
Note: The addition of 'of' emphasizes the selection process from a specific group.
What expressions, common phrases
What's up?
This is a casual greeting asking how someone is or what they are doing.
Example: Hey, John! What's up?
Note: The phrase 'What's up?' is a casual greeting rather than a question about something specific.
What's the matter?
This is used to inquire about the problem or issue bothering someone.
Example: You look upset. What's the matter?
Note: The phrase 'What's the matter?' specifically asks about a problem or concern.
What do you mean?
This is used to ask for clarification or further explanation about something not understood.
Example: I didn't understand your explanation. What do you mean?
Note: The phrase 'What do you mean?' seeks clarification and elaboration on a statement or concept.
What's your name?
This is a common question asking for someone's name.
Example: Nice to meet you! What's your name?
Note: The phrase 'What's your name?' is a direct question seeking the identity of the person.
What the heck?
This is an expression of surprise, confusion, or disbelief.
Example: What the heck are you talking about?
Note: The phrase 'What the heck?' is an informal way of expressing strong emotions.
What a shame!
This is used to express disappointment or regret about a situation.
Example: He couldn't make it to the party. What a shame!
Note: The phrase 'What a shame!' expresses a sense of disappointment or regret.
What's on your mind?
This is a way to ask someone what they are thinking about or feeling.
Example: You seem lost in thought. What's on your mind?
Note: The phrase 'What's on your mind?' inquires about someone's thoughts or emotions.
What goes around comes around
This means that the consequences of one's actions will eventually come back to them.
Example: She helped me when I was in need, and now I'm helping her. What goes around comes around.
Note: The phrase 'What goes around comes around' conveys the idea of karma or the principle of cause and effect.
What everyday (slang) expressions
Whatcha
Whatcha is a contraction of 'what are you' in informal spoken English.
Example: Whatcha doing later?
Note: Whatcha is more casual and conversational than 'what are you'. It is commonly used in informal settings.
Wassup
Wassup is a slang term derived from 'what's up', used to ask what is going on or how someone is doing.
Example: Wassup with you?
Note: Wassup is a casual and informal way of asking 'what's happening?', typically used in informal greetings.
Whaddya
Whaddya is a contraction of 'what do you' in informal spoken English.
Example: Whaddya want for dinner?
Note: Whaddya is a colloquial form used in casual conversations or quick inquiries.
Whatchamacallit
Whatchamacallit is a placeholder term used when someone can't remember or doesn't know the name of something.
Example: Pass me the whatchamacallit over there.
Note: Whatchamacallit is informal and used when the specific name of an object is unknown or forgotten.
Whatnot
Whatnot is used to refer to unspecified additional things or items.
Example: I need to buy groceries, toiletries, and whatnot for the trip.
Note: Whatnot is a casual and vague term used to encompass various miscellaneous items or activities without specifying them.
Wha'cha
Wha'cha is a contracted form of 'what are you' often used in informal spoken language.
Example: Wha'cha think of the movie?
Note: Wha'cha is a casual and conversational way to ask for someone's opinion or thoughts.
Whatchu
Whatchu is a colloquial contraction of 'what have you' or 'what are you'.
Example: Whatchu been up to lately?
Note: Whatchu is an informal way of non-standard English often used in relaxed conversations.
What - Examples
What is your name?
What time is it?
What do you want to eat?
What is your favorite color?
What grammar
What - Pronoun (Pronoun) / Wh-pronoun (Wh-pronoun)
Lemma: what
Conjugations
Syllables, Separation and Stress
What Contains 1 syllables: what
Phonetic transcription: ˈ(h)wät
what , ˈ(h)wät (The red syllable is stressed)
What - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
What: 0 - 100 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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