Cool MateWhat ever is that vs What is going on
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What ever is that
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
What is going on
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most formal: What is going onMost common: What is going on
| What ever is that | What is going on | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈwɒt ˈɛvə ɪz ðæt//🇺🇸 //ˈwɑt ˈɛvər ɪz ðæt// | 🇬🇧 //wɒt ɪz ˈɡəʊɪŋ ɒn//🇺🇸 //wɑt ɪz ˈɡoʊɪŋ ɑn// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to express disbelief or confusion about something. | What is happening? |
| Example | When I saw the strange machine, I thought, 'What ever is that?' | Hey, what is going on with the project? |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | What ever is that object, What ever is that noise, What ever is that smell | what is going on with, what is going on here, what is going on in the world |
| Common mistakes | Using it in a formal setting., Mispronouncing 'whatever' as 'what ever'., Using it without proper context. | Using it in a formal context, such as in business meetings., Confusing it with 'what's going on' and using 'what is going on' incorrectly., Forgetting to use it as a question, making it a statement instead. |
| Usage notes | Usually used in casual conversation. Can show surprise or disapproval. Not suitable for formal contexts. | Use in casual conversation to ask about current situations. Avoid in very formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: What ever is that vs What is going on
What's the difference between What ever is that and What is going on?
What ever is that: A phrase used to express disbelief or confusion about something. What is going on: What is happening?
Which is more formal: What ever is that and What is going on?
What is going on is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: What ever is that and What is going on?
What is going on is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
What ever is that: When I saw the strange machine, I thought, 'What ever is that?' What is going on: Hey, what is going on with the project?
Can I use What ever is that and What is going on interchangeably?
Not always. What ever is that and What is going on are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.