what
what — adjective
1. used before a noun phrase in exclamations to express strong feelings — such as s
used before a noun phrase in exclamations to express strong feelings — such as surprise, admiration, disappointment, or shock — about how remarkable, impressive, or terrible something is
What a beautiful day it is for a walk in the park!
exclamatory: 'what a/an + (adj) + noun' structure
What a mess the children made in the kitchen with all the flour!
What a clever solution Noor found to fix the broken bicycle!
strong emotion about an impressive quality
What terrible news Meera received about the cancelled flight home!
What wonderful music the orchestra played at the concert last night!
- what a
- what an
- what + adjective + noun
Grammar Patterns
what + a/an + (adjective) + noun (exclamation)
Usage Note
This sense always takes an exclamation mark in writing. When the noun is singular and countable, 'what a' or 'what an' is used before the noun phrase.
Common Mistakes
2. all of a certain thing that someone has or can access, especially when the quant
all of a certain thing that someone has or can access, especially when the quantity is small or limited
What money Yuki had quickly ran out after she lost her job.
what + noun + clause: 'the … that' meaning
Christopher spent what free time he had reading novels at the library.
What little savings the Sivan family had went toward urgent medical bills.
limited amount: 'what little' = 'the small amount that'
The farmer sold what crops remained after the storm destroyed the fields.
Jabari shared what food he had with the visitors who arrived late.
- what little
- what few
- what + noun + have/remain/be left
- the … that
more explicit but less natural in most contexts
- as much … as
emphasises quantity rather than a specific set
Grammar Patterns
what + noun + subject + verb (meaning: the noun that)
Usage Note
The noun after 'what' in this sense is typically non-countable or plural. Adverbs like 'little' or 'few' often appear between 'what' and the noun to emphasise the limited amount.
Common Mistakes
3. any of a particular type of thing that — used to refer to something without limi
any of a particular type of thing that — used to refer to something without limiting it in amount, number, or kind, like saying 'whatever'
Please take what books you need from the shelf in my office.
what + noun = 'whatever/any … that' (no limit)
Mayumi offered what help she could give to the local food bank.
You may borrow what tools you require for the kitchen renovation.
The librarian will lend what materials are available for your research.
The charity accepts what donations people wish to give throughout the year.
open-ended: no limitation on what is offered
- what + noun + can/want/need/choose
- what + noun + be available
- whatever
more informal; directly interchangeable
- any … that
more explicit about the open-ended nature
Grammar Patterns
what + noun (open reference, meaning 'whatever/any … that')
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 2: sense 2 ('the … that') implies a limited or specific known quantity, while sense 3 ('whatever') is open-ended — the amount or choice is unrestricted. If you can replace 'what' with 'whatever', sense 3 is the correct interpretation.
Common Mistakes
4. any at all — used in rhetorical questions or negative-suggesting statements to m
any at all — used in rhetorical questions or negative-suggesting statements to mean 'any possible' or 'no matter which', often implying that the answer does not matter or is obvious
What business is it of the neighbours what time we go to bed?
rhetorical: 'what + noun' meaning 'any at all'
What reason does the landlord have to enter the building after midnight?
What difference does it make to the driver which route we choose?
What right do the critics have to judge an artist's personal choices?
What evidence do the police need before they can search the building?
negative implication: 'any evidence at all'
- what business
- what reason
- what difference
- what right
- what evidence
- what use
- what point
- any
more direct; 'what' carries a stronger rhetorical tone
Grammar Patterns
what + noun (rhetorical question, meaning 'any at all')
Usage Note
This sense is almost always used in rhetorical questions where the speaker suggests that there is no good answer. The noun is usually abstract (business, reason, difference, right, evidence, use, point). Not used in ordinary information-seeking questions.
Common Mistakes
what — adverb
1. Used in questions to ask about the way something happens, how important it is, o
Used in questions to ask about the way something happens, how important it is, or to what degree it matters
What does it matter if we arrive a few minutes late to the party?
rhetorical: what does it matter + if clause
Anjali wondered what difference a new coat would make in this cold weather.
What good is a phone if the battery only lasts two hours?
rhetorical: what good is + noun + if clause
The manager asked what relevance the old report had to this year's sales figures.
What do our personal opinions have to do with the results of the test?
what + have to do with — asking about relevance
- what does it matter
- what difference
- what good
- what have to do with
- what relevance
- how
a more direct word for asking about manner; 'what' adds a rhetorical or dismissive tone
- to what extent
more formal and focuses specifically on degree rather than manner
Grammar Patterns
what + clause (rhetorical question)
what does it matter + if/whether clause
what + have to do with
Usage Note
Commonly used in rhetorical questions that do not expect a direct answer. Frequently paired with 'matter', 'difference', 'good', and 'have to do with' to question the significance or relevance of something.
Common Mistakes
2. Used before a list of reasons or causes to explain why something happened, meani
Used before a list of reasons or causes to explain why something happened, meaning 'partly because of' or 'taking into consideration'
What with the rain and the cold wind, the picnic was a complete disaster.
what with + two noun phrases listing causes
What with the extra work and the long hours, Daichi felt exhausted by Friday.
What with the noise from the street and the baby crying, Selim could not sleep at all.
What with the traffic jam and the train delay, we missed the first act of the play.
what with + noun phrase + and + noun phrase giving multiple causes
- what with
- what with...and
- partly because of
more formal and explicit; not a fixed phrase like 'what with'
- considering
similar meaning but takes a noun phrase or gerund directly, without 'with'
Grammar Patterns
what with + noun phrase + and + noun phrase
Usage Note
Always appears in the fixed construction 'what with', followed by at least one noun phrase. A second noun phrase is commonly added after 'and' to list multiple causes. Cannot be split or used alone.
Common Mistakes
what — determiner
1. placed before a noun to ask for specific facts about a person, an object, or a s
placed before a noun to ask for specific facts about a person, an object, or a situation
What colour did Élise pick for her kitchen walls?
What subjects does Asher enjoy most at his new school?
what + noun as question word
What time does the first bus leave for the airport in the morning?
What kind of food does Yael like to eat when she travels abroad?
what kind of + noun asking for a type
What size bag do you need for your weekend trip to Kenting?
- what colour
- what time
- what kind of
- what sort of
- what size
- which
used when choosing from a limited, known set; 'what' is for open-ended questions
Grammar Patterns
what + noun
what + adjective + noun
what + kind/sort/type of + noun
Usage Note
Always followed by a noun or an adjective plus noun. Do not use a bare 'what' without a following noun — that is the pronoun form.
Common Mistakes
2. placed before a noun in a question when you find something surprising, strange,
placed before a noun in a question when you find something surprising, strange, or hard to accept
What nonsense has Femi been telling everyone about the party?
what + noun expressing disbelief
What possible reason could Lakan have for refusing a free ticket?
What kind of answer is 'I forgot' supposed to be?
What use is a computer that breaks down every single week?
what use + noun for rhetorical questions
- what nonsense
- what possible reason
- what use
- what kind of
- what on earth
adds stronger emphasis to the surprise or disbelief
- what in the world
adds emphasis, slightly more informal
Grammar Patterns
what + noun (expressing surprise)
what on earth + noun
Usage Note
Commonly used with nouns that carry a negative or critical meaning, such as 'nonsense', 'excuse', 'mess', or 'rubbish'.
Common Mistakes
3. placed before a noun in a question about the purpose, benefit, or cause of an ac
placed before a noun in a question about the purpose, benefit, or cause of an action or situation
What reason did Reema give for leaving her job at the factory?
what reason + for asking cause
What good will it do to stay up all night worrying about the exam?
What point is there in buying a car if you live right next to a station?
What difference does it make whether we leave now or later?
what difference + clause asking about significance
- what reason
- what good
- what use
- what point
- what difference
- why
adverb, not a determiner; used for the same purpose in simpler structures
Grammar Patterns
what + good/use/point/difference (rhetorical)
what + reason (direct)
Usage Note
Frequently used in rhetorical questions that imply there is no good answer. The nouns 'good', 'use', 'point', and 'difference' are common in this pattern.
Common Mistakes
what — predeterminer
1. used before a noun phrase that begins with 'a' or 'an' to show a strong feeling
used before a noun phrase that begins with 'a' or 'an' to show a strong feeling such as surprise, pleasure, or annoyance when you describe a person, thing, or situation — for example, saying 'What a mess!' when you walk into a messy room, or 'What a lovely surprise!' when a friend visits unexpectedly.
What a beautiful garden you have, Mrs. Chen!
what a + adjective + noun — exclamatory
Layla whispered, "What an incredible view from this hill!"
what an + adjective + noun — exclamation in direct speech
What a long and tiring journey that was for all of us!
Faisal could not believe what a kind thing his neighbour had done.
embedded exclamation after 'could not believe'
Nkechi smiled and said, "What a clever dog you are!" to her pet.
- what a shame
- what a pity
- what a mess
- what a surprise
- what a day
- what a waste
- what luck
- what nonsense
- such
similar emphatic meaning but follows the noun: 'What a surprise!' → 'Such a surprise!'
Grammar Patterns
what a/an + (adjective) + singular countable noun
what + (adjective) + uncountable noun
what + (adjective) + plural noun
Usage Note
This exclamatory 'what' is always placed at the start of a phrase, before 'a' or 'an' with singular countable nouns. The sentence follows statement word order (subject before verb), not question word order. For uncountable nouns ('What luck!') or plural nouns ('What beautiful flowers!'), no article is used.
Common Mistakes
what — pronoun / determiner
1. used to ask someone for specific details about a person, thing, or situation — f
used to ask someone for specific details about a person, thing, or situation — for example, asking what someone's name is, what time it is, or what happened.
What is your name, and how do you spell that?
basic interrogative: what + be + noun phrase
Omar asked the receptionist what time the meeting started.
indirect question: what + time + clause
Nila could not remember what she had put in her bag.
indirect question: what + clause as object
What kind of food does Aoi like best?
The teacher asked the students what caused the accident at the lab.
- what time
- what kind of
- what happened
- what + be + noun
- which
implies a limited set of choices, while 'what' is open-ended
Grammar Patterns
what + (noun) + auxiliary + subject + verb
what + be + noun phrase
Usage Note
Often begins direct questions. In indirect questions (embedded in statements), the word order changes to subject + verb, as in 'She asked what I wanted.'
Common Mistakes
2. used to introduce a noun clause that refers to something someone does, says, bel
used to introduce a noun clause that refers to something someone does, says, believes, or experiences — this clause then acts as the subject or object of the whole sentence.
What Christopher said at the meeting surprised everyone in the room.
what-clause as subject of sentence
Paloma could not believe what she saw through the window.
what-clause as object of verb
What matters most to Pim is spending time with his family.
Eve wrote down everything, but that was not what the teacher wanted.
The twins rarely agree on what to watch on television.
what + to-infinitive
- what + subject + verb
- what + to + verb
- what matters
- what + be + adjective + about
- that which
more formal; used mainly in written English
- whatever
emphasises that it does not matter which thing
Grammar Patterns
what + clause = 'the thing(s) that + clause'
Usage Note
Often replaceable with 'the thing(s) that' for clarity. Unlike 'which', 'what' does not refer back to a specific noun mentioned earlier.
Common Mistakes
3. used before a noun or noun phrase to express a strong feeling, such as surprise,
used before a noun or noun phrase to express a strong feeling, such as surprise, admiration, excitement, or disappointment — for example, saying what a lovely view or what terrible news.
What a beautiful sunset we saw from the top of the hill!
what + a + adjective + noun
Chidi shouted, 'What an incredible goal that player scored!'
what + an + adjective + noun + clause
Gabriela could not believe what a mess the children had made.
What lovely flowers Asher brought to the dinner party!
what + adjective + plural noun (no article)
Ryo kept saying what a shame it was to miss the concert.
- what a + adjective + noun
- what + adjective + plural noun
- what + adjective + uncountable noun
Grammar Patterns
what + (a/an) + adjective + noun
Usage Note
Used with singular countable nouns (what a mess), plural nouns (what lovely flowers), and uncountable nouns (what luck). Do not use the article 'a/an' before plural or uncountable nouns.
Common Mistakes
4. used after listing a few items to suggest there are other similar objects or exa
used after listing a few items to suggest there are other similar objects or examples — often in phrases like 'and what have you' or 'or what not'.
The stall sold handmade jewellery, scarves, and what have you.
and what have you — informal set phrase
Nila packed snacks, drinks, sandwiches, and what not for the trip.
and what not — informal set phrase
The class studied painting, drawing, and what have you in art club.
Christopher brought cups, plates, napkins, and what not to the picnic.
- and what have you
- and what not
Grammar Patterns
... and what have you
... or what not
Usage Note
Always appears as part of the fixed expressions 'and what have you' or 'and what not'. These are informal; in formal writing use 'and so on' or 'and other similar items'.
5. no matter what difficulties or problems arise; used to express determination to
no matter what difficulties or problems arise; used to express determination to continue despite any obstacles.
Come what may, the Watanabe family promised to stay together.
come what may — fixed phrase, formal register
Élise decided to follow her dream, come what may, and moved abroad.
The team agreed to finish the project, come what may, by Friday night.
Come what may, Aoi promised to always support her younger brother.
- come what may
- whatever happens
neutral register, more common in everyday speech
- no matter what
informal and widely used
Grammar Patterns
come what may
Usage Note
This phrase is always used in its fixed form 'come what may' — the verb 'come' stays in the subjunctive and never changes tense. It appears at the end of a sentence or clause.
Common Mistakes
6. to receive or give a severe punishment or a strong scolding — used in the fixed
to receive or give a severe punishment or a strong scolding — used in the fixed expressions 'give someone what for' or 'get what for'.
The neighbour gave the noisy dog's owner what for.
give + someone + what for — informal British idiom
Chidi knew he would get what for if his father found the broken window.
get what for — passive punishment sense
The coach gave the players what for after they lost the match badly.
Paloma gave the dishonest salesman what for right in the shop.
- give + someone + what for
- get what for
- tell someone off
neutral, less severe — scolding without physical punishment
- punish
more general, can cover any kind of penalty
Grammar Patterns
give + someone + what for
get + what for
Usage Note
Almost exclusively British English. The expression does not change form for tense — 'gave someone what for' is the past tense. The 'for' is part of the fixed phrase and not a preposition. Not used in American English.
Common Mistakes
7. used at the start of a statement to draw attention to the thing or idea you cons
used at the start of a statement to draw attention to the thing or idea you consider most important — for example, saying what you really need, what you like most, or what matters in a situation.
What this company really needs is a fresh start and strong leadership.
what + clause + be + noun phrase — statement focus
What I like about Yael is her honest way of saying what she thinks.
what + I like about [person] + be
What the town needs most is a reliable bus service for older people.
What surprised Trang most was how warmly everyone welcomed her.
What the children really wanted was to stay at the park a little longer.
what + subject + wanted + be + to-infinitive
- what + subject + need / want / like / hate
- what matters
- what + be + important / surprising / good
- the thing that
more literal and less emphatic; can replace 'what' for clarity
Grammar Patterns
what + clause + be + noun phrase
Usage Note
The verb after 'what + clause' is always singular, even when the following noun phrase is plural: 'What I need is good books.' Not 'are good books.'
Common Mistakes
8. used in statements or questions that show you are uncertain about a choice, acti
used in statements or questions that show you are uncertain about a choice, action, or fact — for example, not being sure what to do, wondering what happened, or asking what someone meant.
Tara was not sure what to bring to the beach party tomorrow afternoon.
not sure what + to-infinitive
Henrik wondered what his colleague meant by that strange comment.
wonder + what + clause
The committee discussed what to do about the leaking roof in the gym.
discuss + what + to-infinitive
Aylin asked the tour guide what time the museum would close that day.
The neighbours could not decide what colour to paint the front door.
- not sure what
- know what + clause
- what to do / say / wear / bring
- wonder what
- decide what
- which
implies a limited set of options; 'what' is more open-ended
Grammar Patterns
not sure what + to-infinitive
wonder / ask / know + what + clause
Usage Note
In embedded questions (after verbs like 'wonder', 'know', 'ask'), use subject-verb order, not question order: 'I wonder what he wants', not 'I wonder what does he want.'
Common Mistakes
9. used alone as an exclamation to show you are very surprised by something someone
used alone as an exclamation to show you are very surprised by something someone has just told you — as if asking them to confirm that it is really true.
Jiwoo said she won first prize in the competition — and I said, 'What? No way!'
standalone 'What?' expressing disbelief
'The wedding is next month, not next year.' 'What? Are you teasing me?'
Aylin told me the school is closing after the holidays. What? That cannot be right.
The Nguyen family is moving to New Zealand. What? I had no idea at all.
'What?' as a response to unexpected news
- What?! (exclamation)
- What? + No way!
- What? + I can't believe it
- no way
more informal, expresses stronger disbelief
- you're kidding
informal, used when someone tells you something hard to believe
- really?
softer and less dramatic than 'What?'
- come on
expresses disbelief that the speaker finds unreasonable
Grammar Patterns
What? (standalone exclamation)
Usage Note
Rising intonation shows surprise (asking for confirmation); falling intonation shows shock or disbelief. In writing, it is usually followed by an exclamation mark or question mark.
10. used in phrases such as 'so what?' or 'what of it?' to dismiss a point or critic
used in phrases such as 'so what?' or 'what of it?' to dismiss a point or criticism, indicating that you do not consider it worth your attention or concern.
So what if I made a small mistake? Everyone makes mistakes from time to time.
so what + if + clause — dismissing criticism
He said my shirt is too bright. So what? I like colour and that counts.
They criticised Tara's apartment decor. What of it? It is her home, not theirs.
what of it — dismissive fixed phrase
Your brother says our plan will fail. So what? We believe in our own idea.
- so what?
- so what + if
- what of it?
- so what if it matters?
not a true antonym — this sense is rhetorical, so antonyms do not apply naturally
Grammar Patterns
so what + (if) + clause
what of it
Usage Note
'So what?' is more common than 'What of it?' in everyday speech. Both are informal and can sound rude if used in formal or polite conversations. In American English, 'So what?' is the standard form; 'What of it?' is slightly more common in British English.
11. used alone as a short question when you did not catch what someone said or could
used alone as a short question when you did not catch what someone said or could not follow their meaning, asking them to repeat or explain.
'What?' Rachel asked, leaning forward. 'The train was too loud and I missed your words.'
standalone 'What?' asking for repetition
Jabari said, 'What? Speak a little louder — I cannot hear you over the music.'
'What was that? My ears are still ringing from the loudspeaker at the concert.'
'what was that' as an alternative to standalone 'what'
The teacher said something from the back of the room, and Nellie called out, 'What?'
- What? (question for repetition)
- What was that?
- pardon
formal and polite; the safest choice in any situation
- excuse me
polite; works in both casual and formal contexts
- come again
very informal, friendly
Grammar Patterns
What? (asking for repetition)
Usage Note
'What?' as a request for repetition is very common in casual speech but can sound impolite in formal situations — use 'Pardon?', 'Excuse me?', or 'Could you repeat that?' instead.
Common Mistakes
12. used as a brief spoken response when someone calls your name or addresses you, l
used as a brief spoken response when someone calls your name or addresses you, letting them know you have heard them and are asking them to state what they need.
'Nellie?' 'What?' she said, looking up from her book. 'Is something the matter?'
'What?' as a response to someone calling your name
'Excuse me, ma'am?' 'What? How can I help you today?' the clerk replied.
'Dad?' 'What? Come in and tell me what you need,' he said without turning.
'Professor Chen?' 'What? Oh, come in and tell me what you need help with.'
'What?' used to acknowledge and invite the speaker to continue
- What? (acknowledging someone calling you)
- What is it?
- yes?
neutral and polite; the best choice in formal situations
- can I help you?
formal and service-oriented
- what is it?
slightly more impatient than 'What?' alone
Grammar Patterns
What? (responding to someone calling your name)
What is it?
Usage Note
This is an acknowledgement ('I hear you'), not a question about identity. The tone of voice matters — a flat 'What?' can sound impatient, while a rising one sounds neutral or helpful. More formal alternatives include 'Yes?' or 'How can I help you?'
13. used as a short, strong cry to show that you are very surprised, shocked, or ang
used as a short, strong cry to show that you are very surprised, shocked, or angry about something
What! You lost your passport again, Isabela? We fly out tomorrow!
exclamation showing surprise or shock
What! The bus drove right past without stopping for us!
What! You did not tell your mother about the party?
What! Someone took my lunch from the office fridge again?
Grammar Patterns
What! + [statement expressing reaction]
Usage Note
Usually spoken with a strong, rising intonation. In writing, it is often followed by an exclamation mark and then an explanation of what caused the reaction.
Common Mistakes
14. said when you want to put forward a suggestion or an idea for other people to th
said when you want to put forward a suggestion or an idea for other people to think about, often using the words "what about" or "what if"
What about asking Rania to join our team for the project?
what about + -ing for suggestions
What if we meet at the park before the film starts, Hyun?
what if + clause for suggestions
Owen looked at the menu and said, 'What about the grilled fish?'
What do you say we take the train instead of driving, Nia?
- what about
- what if
- what do you say
- how about
interchangeable in most informal suggestions
- shall we
more formal and explicitly includes the speaker in the action
- why don't we
directly suggests a joint action
Grammar Patterns
what about + noun/gerund
what if + clause
what do you say + clause?
Usage Note
Frequently used to offer an idea politely or to ask for agreement. Compare with sense 18, where 'what if' introduces a hypothetical worry rather than a suggestion.
Common Mistakes
15. used to mention a person, thing, or subject in a conversation, often to change t
used to mention a person, thing, or subject in a conversation, often to change the topic or add a new point to discuss
Wren asked, 'So what about the weather in Taipei this weekend?'
what about for changing topic
What about your sister in Kaohsiung? Is she still working at the hospital?
Élise nodded and said, 'Good point. Now what about the cost of the tickets?'
Romi brought up a new topic at dinner: 'What about the trip to Japan?'
- what about
- so what about
- how about
interchangeable in most informal topic introductions
- speaking of
introduces a topic related to what was just said
- regarding
more formal; used in written or business contexts
Grammar Patterns
what about + noun phrase
So what about + noun phrase?
Usage Note
Often used to shift conversation to a new subject. Unlike sense 14 (suggestion), the speaker is not offering a plan but simply raising a topic for discussion.
Common Mistakes
16. used in place of a person's name or the name of an object when you cannot rememb
used in place of a person's name or the name of an object when you cannot remember it or do not know it
Can you pass me the what's-it-called? The metal thing for opening bottles.
what's-it-called for unknown or forgotten object name
I saw what's-her-name from high school today — the tall girl with the red bag.
what's-her-name for forgotten person name
Please ask Mr. what's-his-name to send us the papers before Friday.
She left her whatchamacallit — that small bag for her phone — on the bus.
whatchamacallit for unknown object
- what's-his-name
- what's-her-name
- what's-it-called
- whatchamacallit
- so-and-so
more formal or old-fashioned; also used for a name the speaker knows but does not want to say
- thingamajig
informal; used for objects, not people
Grammar Patterns
what's-his-name / what's-her-name / what's-their-name
what's-it-called / whatchamacallit
Usage Note
The form changes depending on the person: what's-his-name (male), what's-her-name (female), what's-their-name (plural or non-binary). For objects, 'what's-it-called' or 'whatchamacallit' is used.
Common Mistakes
17. used to ask about the purpose or reason behind an action, event, or object, mean
used to ask about the purpose or reason behind an action, event, or object, meaning roughly "why"
What did you tell him that for, Wren? Now he is worried.
what + clause + for asking reason
What are you carrying that heavy box for? Let me help you.
I need your passport for the form. — What do you need it for?
Élise pointed at the tool in Tara's hand and asked, 'What is that thing for?'
- what...for
- why
more general; asks for any reason or cause, not just purpose
Grammar Patterns
what + [clause] + for?
What for? (stand-alone)
Usage Note
Unlike 'why', which asks for a reason, 'what...for' focuses on the purpose or intended use. 'What for?' can be used alone as a short question.
Common Mistakes
18. used to ask about the possible result or consequences of a situation that may or
used to ask about the possible result or consequences of a situation that may or may not happen
What if it rains during the picnic? Do we have a backup plan, Hyun?
what if + clause for hypothetical questions about consequences
Sirin lay awake thinking, 'What if I fail the test tomorrow?'
What if we miss the last train home tonight? How will we get back?
Romi wants to start her own cafe, but she worries: 'What if it does not work?'
- what if
Grammar Patterns
what if + [clause]?
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 14: sense 18 asks about possible problems or consequences (hypothetical worry), while sense 14 offers a positive idea (suggestion). 'What if it rains?' = worry about a problem; 'What if we go to the beach?' = suggestion.
Common Mistakes
19. said when you accept that something is a fact but do not see why it should make
said when you accept that something is a fact but do not see why it should make a difference to your opinion or plan
The project manager told Yan the deadline was missed. So what? The client had not complained yet.
so what? dismissing a problem as unimportant
Théo knew his haircut looked unusual. 'So what if it does?' he said with a grin.
Hamza knew the jacket was expensive. 'What of it?' he thought. 'I saved for months.'
what of it? — alternative dismissive phrase
Liam admitted his mistake openly. 'So what if I did?' he asked his boss calmly.
- so what
- what of it
- so what if
Grammar Patterns
So what? (stand-alone)
So what if + [clause]?
What of it?
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 10: sense 10 ('What?') is a short defensive response when someone criticizes you. Sense 19 ('So what?') is a longer rhetorical challenge that concedes the fact but questions its relevance.
Common Mistakes
20. used as a short, sharp exclamation to show that someone's suggestion or statemen
used as a short, sharp exclamation to show that someone's suggestion or statement seems completely wrong, silly, or impossible
Meera told Christopher she would cycle across the desert. 'What?' he said. 'You have never camped.'
what! reacting to an absurd plan
The boss announced a midnight meeting. Lakan whispered to his colleague, 'What? That cannot be real.'
Marta's brother wants to swim in the freezing river. 'What?' she cried. 'You will catch a cold.'
A stranger knocked and said the house was being sold. 'What?' the owner replied. 'I am not selling.'
- you're kidding
softer; expresses surprise without calling the idea stupid
- no way
informal; strongly rejects the possibility of something
- you can't be serious
longer but carries the same disbelief
Grammar Patterns
What! + [statement repeating the absurd idea]
Usage Note
Normally spoken with a sharp, rising intonation. In writing, the exclamation mark shows shock or disbelief. This sense is stronger than sense 13 — it implies the idea is foolish, not just surprising.
Common Mistakes
21. to have a good understanding of which things are good, important, or true in a p
to have a good understanding of which things are good, important, or true in a particular area of life or work
After forty years of cooking, Chef Heloísa knows what is what in a professional kitchen.
knows what's what — understanding of a domain
When you shop for a used car, take Gabriel with you. He knows what is what.
Grandpa has been growing vegetables for decades, so he knows what is what with soil and plants.
Daichi thinks he knows what is what, but his advice about investment is often wrong.
- know what's what
- know the ropes
specifically about procedures in a job or organization
- know one's stuff
emphasizes technical or professional knowledge
- know the score
similar but broader; understands how things really work
- not have a clue
complete lack of understanding
Grammar Patterns
[person] + know(s) what's what
[person] + doesn't know what's what
Usage Note
This is a fixed phrase — you cannot replace 'what's what' with a different structure. The contraction 'what's' is standard; 'know what is what' is less common but acceptable.
Common Mistakes
22. used in questions to ask why a person, animal, or situation seems unusual, upset
used in questions to ask why a person, animal, or situation seems unusual, upset, or not normal
Tariro has not spoken to anyone all morning. What is with her today?
what's with + person — asking about unusual behavior
What is with all those empty boxes stacked in the hallway? Is someone moving out?
The dog kept scratching at the door and whining. 'What is wrong with her?' the little girl asked her mother.
A customer was shouting at the cashier for no clear reason. 'What is the matter with him?' another shopper whispered.
what's the matter with + person — puzzled by strange behavior
- what's with
- what's the matter with
- what's wrong with
- what's up with
slightly more casual; can also mean 'how is X doing?'
- what's going on with
asks about the situation more broadly
Grammar Patterns
What's with + [noun phrase]?
What's the matter with + [noun phrase]?
What's wrong with + [noun phrase]?
Usage Note
'What's with X?' is very informal and common in spoken English. 'What's the matter with X?' and 'What's wrong with X?' are slightly more neutral and can also be used about objects or situations. Do not confuse with sense 1, which asks for factual information.
Common Mistakes
23. used in questions that express surprise, criticism, or confusion about the reaso
used in questions that express surprise, criticism, or confusion about the reason someone did something — often implying their action was unwise or unnecessary
What did you climb that old fence for? There is a gate just around the corner.
what...for expressing criticism about an action
A mother asked her son, 'What did you buy ten cartons of milk for? We are only two.'
The teacher sent three students home early. 'What did you send them home for?' the principal asked, surprised.
A nurse at the clinic asked, 'What did you come all the way here for if you refuse treatment?'
- what...for
- why on earth
emphasizes the same sense of exasperation more explicitly
- what's the point of
asks about purpose but carries a similar critical tone
Grammar Patterns
What + [clause] + for? (expressing criticism or exasperation)
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 17: sense 17 asks in a neutral way about purpose ('What is this tool for?'). Sense 23 carries a tone of criticism or exasperation — the speaker thinks the action was unnecessary or wrong. In speech, the stress falls on the verb (e.g., 'What DID you do that for?').
Common Mistakes
24. used at the start of a statement to introduce two or more causes that together e
used at the start of a statement to introduce two or more causes that together explain why something happened or why a situation is difficult
What with the heavy rain and the traffic jam, the guests were two hours late for the wedding.
what with + cause 1 and + cause 2 — explaining a result
What with school during the day and a job at night, the student has almost no time for himself.
The garden looks terrible this year, what with the dry summer and the rabbits eating every new plant.
What with the baby waking every two hours and the loud neighbors, nobody in the building slept well.
What with rent going up and salaries staying the same, the young couple is struggling to save money.
what with listing financial pressures
- what with
- what with...and
- between X and Y
similar structure; 'between work and family, I have no free time'
- because of
simpler and can introduce a single cause
- owing to
more formal; used in writing
Grammar Patterns
What with + [noun phrase] and + [noun phrase], + [result clause]
Usage Note
This phrase always introduces at least two reasons or causes. If you only have one cause, use 'because of' or 'due to' instead. The clause after the causes states the result or effect.
Common Mistakes
Used to refer to other similar things without naming them.
She brought snacks, drinks, and what not to the party.
The store sells books, games, and what have you.
come what may
idiomNo matter what happens or what difficulties arise.
He promised to stand by her come what may.
Come what may, we will finish this project on time.
To punish someone severely or be punished severely.
If he lies again, his mother will give him what for.
The thief got what for when the police caught him.
or what
idiomUsed to emphasize a question or opinion, often showing impatience.
Are you coming with us or what?
Is this your final answer or what?
say what?
idiomUsed to express surprise or disbelief at what someone just said.
He told me he won the lottery. Say what?
She said she's moving to Mars. Say what?
so what?
idiomUsed to show that you think something is not important or does not matter.
He said my dress is ugly. So what?
So what if I'm late? It's not a big deal.
what?
idiomUsed when you did not hear or understand something and want it repeated.
What? I didn't catch that last part.
You want me to do what?
what about…?
idiomUsed to make a suggestion or ask for an opinion.
What about going to the beach this weekend?
What about you, Sara? Do you agree?
Used instead of a name you cannot remember.
I saw what's-her-name at the store yesterday.
Can you pass me the what-d'you-call-it on the table?
what for?
idiomUsed to ask the reason or purpose of something.
You need my ID? What for?
What did you buy that tool for?
what if…?
idiomUsed to ask about the possible result of a situation.
What if it rains during the picnic?
What if she says no to the proposal?
what of it?
idiomUsed to say that something is true but not important.
Yes, I broke the vase. What of it?
He's younger than me. What of it?
Used to express that something seems silly or does not make sense.
They canceled the meeting. What's all that about?
He quit his job without notice. What's all that about?
(know) what’s what
idiomTo know what is important, useful, or true in a situation.
After years in the business, she knows what's what.
You need to learn what's what before you start.
Used to ask why someone is acting strangely.
What's with you? You seem upset.
What's with him? He keeps staring at us.
Used to ask the reason for something.
What's with all the noise outside?
What's with this sudden change in plans?
what with something
idiomUsed to list reasons that explain a situation.
What with the rain and the traffic, we were late.
What with work and family, she has no free time.
what — pronoun
1. a pronoun that stands for a thing or things you are thinking about but do not na
a pronoun that stands for a thing or things you are thinking about but do not name directly — for example, 'I know what you mean' means 'I know the thing that you mean.'
Luca showed his classmates what he had made in art class.
what + clause as object of the verb
Indra could not remember what the teacher said about the exam.
What the children really wanted was a long holiday at the beach.
what-clause as subject of the sentence
Adina was surprised by what she discovered inside the old suitcase.
what-clause after a preposition
The officer asked what everyone had seen during the accident.
- what + subject + verb
- what + passive verb
- that which
more formal and less common in everyday speech
- whatever
suggests any thing or every thing, not a specific one
Grammar Patterns
what + clause
Usage Note
Unlike the relative pronoun 'which,' 'what' does not need a noun before it. 'What' already carries the meaning of 'the thing(s) that.'
Common Mistakes
2. used to begin a statement that you are about to make, drawing attention to the k
used to begin a statement that you are about to make, drawing attention to the key point or explanation that follows.
What I am trying to tell everyone is that we need to work together.
what + clause + is + that-clause
What the team needs most right now is an experienced leader.
What happened was that the morning train left five minutes early.
what + happened + was + that-clause
What Leo suggested during the meeting made a lot of sense to Amira.
- what + clause + is/was
- what I mean is
- what happened was
- the thing that
more literal and less emphatic than 'what' in this pattern
Grammar Patterns
what + clause + be + that-clause / noun phrase
Usage Note
Common in both speech and writing to focus attention on a single key idea. The pattern 'what + clause + be + that-clause' is especially frequent in explanations.
Common Mistakes
3. a very short question that you say on its own when you want the person you are t
a very short question that you say on its own when you want the person you are talking with to repeat their words, because you did not catch everything clearly.
Yumi turned around and said, "What? I could not hear you over the noise."
standalone 'What?' to ask for repetition
"You want me to clean what?" Diego asked, pointing at the messy garage.
Baraka leaned closer and asked, "What did you say about the exam results?"
"What?" Gita said, looking up from her book because she had not been paying attention.
informal register: 'What?' alone
"Sorry, what?" Christopher asked when his friend spoke too softly.
- Sorry, what?
- What did you say?
- Pardon?
more polite and formal
- Sorry?
common polite alternative in British English
- Come again?
very informal, mainly spoken
Grammar Patterns
What? (standalone)
what + clause (echo question)
Usage Note
Using a bare 'What?' can sound rude in formal or professional settings. 'Pardon?' or 'Sorry?' are more polite alternatives. The full question 'What did you say?' is neutral.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- whateverpronoun / determinerA2
- whateveradverbB1
- whatsoeveradverbB2
- somewhatadverbB2
- whatnotnounC1
- whatsitnounC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: pronoun, determiner/1
What 和 which 都是詢問資訊的代詞，但 which 用於選項有限或已知的情況（例如 Which colour do you prefer, red or blue?），而 what 用於完全開放的詢問（例如 What colour do you like?）。Whatever 是 what 的延伸，表示「無論什麼」，用於強調不限選擇（例如 Take whatever you want）。Who 僅用於人，而 what 可用於事物、情況或想法。What kind of / what sort of 則用於詢問類型或類別（例如 What kind of music do you listen to?），比單用 what 更具體。在台灣學習者的常見混淆中，最需要注意的是 what 與 which 的選擇：如果心裡有明確的選項清單，應使用 which；如果完全不知道答案的範圍，則使用 what。
Common collocations
Nouns
- what time
- what kind
- what sort
- what type
- what reason
- what difference
- what good
- what matter
Adverbs
- so what
- what then
- what exactly
- what on earth
- what in the world
- what about
Phrases
- what if
- what about
- what with
- so what
- what's more
- what's what
- what have you
- guess what
Prepositions
- what for
- what with
- what of
- what about
Etymology
What 來自古英語 hwæt（意為「什麼」），可追溯至原始日耳曼語 *hwat。它與拉丁語 quid、希臘語 ti（τί）、梵語 kím（किम्）等同源，皆來自原始印歐語疑問詞根 *kʷo-/*kʷi-。現代英語中 what 的用法從古英語時期就已存在，包括疑問詞、感嘆詞及關係詞等功能。