Cambridge Dictionary

google_aioranked #3⌄

"What" is a versatile interrogative and exclamatory word in the English language, typically used to inquire about the identity, nature, or value of a specific subject. Core Uses of "What" As an Interrogative Pronoun: Used to ask for specific information about things, actions, or ideas. Example: "What is the time?" As an Interrogative Determiner/Adjective: Placed directly before a noun to ask for its kind, character, or identity. Example: "What movie are you watching?" As an Exclamation: Used to emphasize strong emotion, surprise, or admiration. Example: "What an incredible sunset!" As an Expression for Clarification: Frequently used informally when you have not properly heard or understood what someone else has said. Example: "What?" or "You said what?" Common Idioms and Phrases "What's up?" – A common conversational greeting or inquiry about what is happening. "Know what is what" – A phrase meaning to understand the qualities or nature of things. "What have you" – An idiom meaning anything else one can think of (often used at the end of lists). For more detailed grammatical rules, check out the Cambridge Dictionary Grammar Guide or the Merriam-Webster Dictionary Definition. Feel free to finish your sentence if you meant to ask a specific question!