We use 'what' to ask questions about things or information. It helps to know more about something.
What is your name?
What do you want to eat?
'What' can be used to show surprise or shock when hearing news or information. It is a short, strong word for emotions.
What! You won the race?
What! She is moving away?
'What' is used when someone wants more detail about something that happened or was mentioned before. It asks for explanation.
What happened at the party?
What did she say to you?
'What' introduces a part of a sentence called a noun clause. This clause talks about something unknown or not definite.
I don’t know what to do.
Tell me what you want.
'What' can be used at the beginning of a sentence to show strong feeling about something. It adds emphasis to an adjective or noun.
What a beautiful day!
What an amazing story!
'What' is used before nouns to ask about a thing’s identity or choice. It helps to find out which one or what kind.
What book do you like?
What color is the sky?
'What' is often used to ask someone to repeat or explain when you do not understand or hear clearly. It is a quick way to ask again.
What? I didn’t hear you.
What did you say just now?
'What' can be used to mean 'the thing or things that' in common sayings or expressions. It often talks about facts or important ideas.
You get what you pay for.
What matters most is kindness.
