What Meaning
What Definition & Usage
Used to inquire about something or to ask for clarification.
Examples
- "What is your name?"
- "What time does the train leave?"
- "What happened at the meeting?"
- "What can I do to help?"
- "What are you thinking about?"
Used to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion about a situation.
Examples
- "What a beautiful view!"
- "What a mess this is!"
- "What a surprise to see you here!"
- "What a shame that he couldn't come."
- "What are we going to do now?"
Used as an exclamation of curiosity, confusion, or surprise.
Examples
- "What?! That's impossible!"
- "What? I don't understand."
- "What?! No way."
- "What? How did that happen?"
- "What?! You can't be serious."
Used to refer to an object or thing when the speaker is unsure or curious about it.
Examples
- "He asked me, 'What is that?'"
- "Can you explain what it means?"
- "I don't know what you're talking about."
- "What was that noise?"
- "I can't figure out what went wrong."
Cultural Context
'What' has been used in English since Old English times, evolving from the word 'hwaet.' It serves as a primary tool for asking questions, whether for clarification, curiosity, or comprehension. The word's role in conversation is crucial in facilitating communication, particularly in seeking knowledge or expressing emotional reactions.
The Mystery of the Missing Keys
Story
The Mystery of the Missing Keys
It was a rainy Tuesday afternoon when Emily stormed into the kitchen, frustrated by the sight of her scattered belongings. 'What happened to my keys?' she muttered, scanning the countertop for any sign of the missing item. Her brother Mark, who was sprawled out on the couch, looked up from his book. 'What do you mean? I haven't touched them.' Emily sighed, glancing at the clock. 'What time is it?' she asked in a panic, realizing she was running late for an important meeting. Mark, ever the calm one, shrugged. 'What can we do? You’re already late.' The urgency in Emily’s voice spurred Mark to stand up. 'What’s going on? You usually don’t get this worked up.' 'My keys are gone, and now I’m late!' Emily almost yelled, her voice trembling. She felt the sting of confusion creeping in, wondering how something so simple could slip away so easily. 'Wait, I’ll check the hallway,' Mark suggested. As he walked to the door, he stopped. 'What’s that under the couch?' Sure enough, Emily’s keys were there, wedged between the cushions. 'What a relief!' Emily exclaimed, holding them up as though they were the most precious thing in the world. 'Next time, be more careful!' Mark teased, and Emily rolled her eyes, grateful for the minor victory over the missing keys and her own frustration.
