what
Use what to ask for information when you do not know the thing or answer.
used instead of a noun in direct or indirect questions to ask which thing, action, or information is meant.
Use what before a noun when you ask which thing, type, time, or amount.
used before a noun to ask which particular thing, kind, amount, time, etc. is meant.
Use what to mean "the thing that" or "the things that."
the thing or things that; that which.
Use what to say that something is very good, bad, surprising, etc.
used before a noun phrase in an exclamation to emphasize a strong feeling about someone or something.
Use "What?" when you want someone to repeat something, or when you are surprised.
used as a quick response when you did not hear, do not understand, or are surprised by something.
- 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.
- Guess what? I passed my exam.
- Guess what—we found your keys.
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.
- So what if I failed once? I can try again.
- She doesn’t like my idea, but so what?
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 about your brother? Is he coming too?
- What about taking the train? It might be cheaper.
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 do you mean by that word?
- Sorry, what do you mean?
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?
- You need my address? What for?
- What is this button 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 if the shop is closed?
- What if I make a mistake during the presentation?
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 on earth is that noise?
- What on earth are they talking about?
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.
- Hi, Sam. What’s up?
- You’re very quiet today. What’s up?