Cool MateWhat ever is that vs What is going on vs What's that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What ever is that
What is going on
What's that
| What ever is that | What is going on | What's that | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈwɒt ˈɛvə ɪz ðæt//🇺🇸 //ˈwɑt ˈɛvər ɪz ðæt// | 🇬🇧 //wɒt ɪz ˈɡəʊɪŋ ɒn//🇺🇸 //wɑt ɪz ˈɡoʊɪŋ ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //wɒts ðæt//🇺🇸 //wɑts ðæt// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to express disbelief or confusion about something. | What is happening? | A question asking about something you see or hear. |
| Example | When I saw the strange machine, I thought, 'What ever is that?' | Hey, what is going on with the project? | Look at that strange noise; what's that? |
| Register | Informal | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly 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 | what's that sound?, what's that over there?, what's that doing? |
| 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. | Used in formal situations where a more polite inquiry is needed., Confused with 'what is that', which is more formal. |
| 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. | Used in casual conversation. Avoid in formal settings or written language, as it may seem too familiar. |
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Frequently asked questions: What ever is that vs What is going on vs What's that
What's the difference between What ever is that, What is going on, and What's that?
What ever is that: A phrase used to express disbelief or confusion about something. What is going on: What is happening? What's that: A question asking about something you see or hear.
Which is more formal: What ever is that, What is going on, and What's that?
What is going on is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: What ever is that, What is going on, and What's that?
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? What's that: Look at that strange noise; what's that?
Can I use What ever is that, What is going on, and What's that interchangeably?
Not always. What ever is that, What is going on, and What's that 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.