what

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.

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.

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.

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.

Commonly used with nouns that carry a negative or critical meaning, such as 'nonsense', 'excuse', 'mess', or 'rubbish'.

Frequently used in rhetorical questions that imply there is no good answer. The nouns 'good', 'use', 'point', and 'difference' are common in this pattern.

Often replaceable with 'the thing(s) that' for clarity. Unlike 'which', 'what' does not refer back to a specific noun mentioned earlier.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.'

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.'

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.

'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.

'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.

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?'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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?').

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 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.

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.