what
asking for information
Use what to ask for information when you do not know the thing or answer.
what + verb; what + auxiliary/modal + subject + verb; verb + what + subject + verb
- What happened after I left?
- I didn't hear what she said.
- What do you want for dinner?
- What is your name?
- What did you buy?
- I know what he means.
which thing or kind
Use what before a noun when you ask which thing, type, time, or amount.
what + noun; what kind/type/sort of + noun; what size/color/time/day/number
- What time does the meeting start?
- What kind of music do you like?
- She asked what size shoes I wear.
- What color is your car?
- What day is it today?
- Tell me what number to call.
the thing that
Use what to mean "the thing that" or "the things that."
what + clause, used as the subject, object, or complement of another clause
- Do what you think is right.
- What we need now is a clear plan.
- I'll show you what I found.
- Eat what you like.
- I like what you made.
- Do what I say.
exclamation with a noun
Use what to say that something is very good, bad, surprising, etc.
what + a/an + (adjective) + singular countable noun; what + (adjective) + plural or uncountable noun
- What a beautiful view!
- What a mess you've made!
- What terrible weather!
- What a nice day!
- What a big dog!
- What good news!
surprise or request to repeat
Use "What?" when you want someone to repeat something, or when you are surprised.
What?; What? + sentence
- "What?" she said. "I didn't hear you."
- What? You finished already?
- "The rent went up again." "What?"
- What? Please say that again.
- What? I don't understand.
- What? That's impossible.
- Base: what
- Plural: whats
guess what
1'Try to guess this news' prompt
Something you say before telling surprising or exciting news.
- Guess what? I got the job!
- Guess what—we're going to Paris!
guess what
6introduce news
Say this before you tell someone news.
- Guess what—I got the job!
- Guess what? We’re moving to Canada.
- You’ll never guess what happened this morning.
so what
1'It does not matter' response
Used to say that something is not important or not interesting.
- "He’s taller than you." "So what?"
- "It’s raining." "So what? We can still go out."
so what
5show something does not matter
Use this to show that you do not think something matters.
- So what if we’re a little late?
- He makes more money than I do. So what?
- The design isn’t perfect, but so what? It works.
what about
1ask about or suggest
Use this to ask about another person or thing, or to suggest an idea.
- I’m free on Friday. What about you?
- We’ve talked about costs, but what about safety?
- What about meeting after lunch instead?
what do you mean
4ask for clarification
Use this when you do not understand someone’s words or idea.
- What do you mean by “temporary”?
- I’m not sure what you mean. Can you explain?
- What do you mean, the meeting was canceled?
what for
7ask purpose
Use this to ask why something is needed or done.
- I need your passport number. What for?
- She bought a big bag of flour, but I don’t know what for.
- What are these tools for?
what if
1asks about a hypothetical situation
Used to ask what would happen in a possible situation.
- What if we get lost?
- What if she says no?
what if
2ask about a possibility
Use this to ask about a possible problem or situation.
- What if we miss the last train?
- What if nobody agrees with the plan?
- I know it sounds unlikely, but what if she’s right?
what on earth
8emphatic what-question
Use this to make a question stronger when you are very surprised or confused.
- What on earth are you doing here?
- What on earth happened to the kitchen?
- I can’t imagine what on earth he was thinking.
what's up
3casual greeting or inquiry
A casual way to say hello, or to ask what is wrong or happening.
- Hey, what’s up?
- You look upset. What’s up?
- I heard a lot of noise outside, so I went to see what was up.