what · pron
What ...for?
B2 used to ask about the reason for something
Dictionary examples:
What are you doing that for? (8.3)
"We need a bigger car." "What for?" (11.4)
What are these tools for? (21.6)
what's/what is more
B2 used to add something surprising or interesting to what you have just said
Dictionary examples:
They turned up nearly an hour late, and what's more, they didn't bring anything! (34.6)
what with
C2 used to talk about the reasons for a particular situation, especially a bad or difficult situation
Dictionary examples:
I'm tired, what with traveling all day yesterday and sleeping badly. (29.6)
what (QUESTION)
A1 used to ask for information about something
Dictionary examples:
What made the teacher laugh? (0.0)
What ate my homework? (0.0)
What did the pen write? (0.0)
What did you wear? (13.4)
What happened after I left? (14.7)
What caused the accident? (24.1)
What about ...?
A2 used when suggesting or offering something to someone
Dictionary examples:
What about wearing pajamas to your job interview? (0.0)
What about a pizza eating contest with your grandma? (0.0)
What about singing in the library? It's so quiet! (0.0)
When can we meet? What about next week? (7.4)
What about a trip to the zoo this afternoon? (11.0)
"Coffee, Sarah?" "No, thanks." "What about you, Kate?" (13.9)
What about Luis - should we invite him? (21.5)
What about getting a pizza? (25.5)
What about ...?
B1 used to ask for someone's opinion on a particular subject
Dictionary examples:
What about my memory? I forgot what I was going to... um... (0.0)
What about exercise? My idea of a workout is running late! (0.0)
What about pizza? It never complains when I eat it! (0.0)
What about Ava - is she nice? (8.3)
what (THE THING)
B1 used to refer to something without naming it
Dictionary examples:
Do you know what my dog buried in the garden? My homework! (0.0)
I can't remember what I ate for breakfast. Was it a sock? (0.0)
Can you imagine what a fish would do with shoes? Probably flop! (0.0)
Do you know what I mean? (9.7)
She wouldn't tell me what he said. (11.5)
The letter showed clearly what they were planning. (15.1)
I can't decide what to do next. (23.5)
Have you thought about what to send as a present? (34.4)
What I like most about her is her honesty. (39.4)
What if ...?
B1 used to ask about something that could happen in the future, especially something bad
Dictionary examples:
What if your phone starts sending embarrassing texts to your boss? (0.0)
What if your pet goldfish suddenly learns to speak? (0.0)
What if your pizza delivery arrives before you even order it? (0.0)
What if you don't pass your test? (15.4)
What if the train's late? (21.9)
What's up?
B1 used to ask how things are with someone
Dictionary examples:
What's up? Your shirt is inside out. New fashion trend? (0.0)
What's up? Your hair looks like it had a wild party last night! (0.0)
What's up? You're smiling like you just won the lottery or found free food! (0.0)
What's up? Nice to see you again. (6.2)