Language Research

what · pronoun

/wɒt/Full view

what (QUESTION)

A1 used to ask for information about something

Dictionary examples:

What did you wear?

What happened after I left?

What caused the accident?

Learner example:

What do you think about that? (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; French)

What about ...?

A2 used when suggesting or offering something to someone

Dictionary examples:

What about a trip to the zoo this afternoon?

"Coffee, Sarah?" "No, thanks." "What about you, Kate?"

When can we meet? What about next week?

What about getting a pizza?

What about Lola - shall we invite her?

Learner example:

I would love to see the film. What about Friday? (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

what (THE THING)

B1 used to refer to something without naming it

Dictionary examples:

Do you know what I mean?

She wouldn't tell me what he said.

What I like most about her is her honesty.

The letter showed clearly what they were planning.

I can't decide what to do next.

Have you thought about what to send as a present?

Learner example:

I don't know what to do now. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

What about ...?

B1 used to ask for someone's opinion on a particular subject

Dictionary example:

What about Ava - is she nice?

Learner example:

I also enjoy shopping for shoes, what about you? (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

What if ...?

B1 used to ask about something that could happen in the future, especially something bad

Dictionary examples:

What if the train's late?

What if you don't pass your exams?

Learner example:

What if the children were in trouble? (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

What ...for?

B2 used to ask about the reason for something

Dictionary examples:

What are these tools for?

What are you doing that for?

"We need a bigger car." "What for?"

Learner example:

People love spending hours in their stuffy cars, [gett]ing stuck in traffic jams and breathing polluted air. What for? (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

what's/what is more

B2 used to add something surprising or interesting to what you have just said

Dictionary example:

They turned up nearly an hour late, and what's more, they didn't bring anything!

Learner example:

What is more, I will have an opportunity to visit the most exotic countries. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

What's up?

B1 used to ask how things are with someone

Dictionary example:

What's up? Nice to see you again.

Learner example:

Hi Teresa What's up? I am good. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Turkish)

what with

C2 used to talk about the reasons for a particular situation, especially a bad or difficult situation

Dictionary example:

I'm tired, what with travelling all day yesterday and sleeping badly.

Learner example:

The energy of a crowd like that is amazing, what with people jumping up and down, singing their lungs out and pushing each other around. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

what · determiner

/wɒt/

what (QUESTION)

A1 used to ask for information about something

Dictionary examples:

What time is it?

What books did you buy?

What size shoes do you take?

Learner example:

What time [would] you like to come? (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Pashto)

what (STRONG OPINION)

B1 used to give your opinion, especially when you have strong feelings about something

Dictionary examples:

What rubbish!

What a mess!

What an awful day!

Learner example:

Last Saturday we decided to watch the film "Pinocchio" by Roberto Benigni. What a beautiful soundtrack! What an interesting fable! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)