Cool MateWhat ever is that vs What is that vs What's that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What ever is that
What is that
What's that
| What ever is that | What is that | What's that | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈwɒt ˈɛvə ɪz ðæt//🇺🇸 //ˈwɑt ˈɛvər ɪz ðæt// | 🇬🇧 //wɒt ɪz ðæt//🇺🇸 //wɑt ɪz ðæt// | 🇬🇧 //wɒts ðæt//🇺🇸 //wɑts ðæt// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to express disbelief or confusion about something. | A question asking for identification of something. | A question asking about something you see or hear. |
| Example | When I saw the strange machine, I thought, 'What ever is that?' | Look at that strange object! What is that? | 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 that noise, what is that thing, what is that smell | 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. | Omitting 'that' (e.g. saying 'What is?'), Using in overly formal contexts, Incorrect intonation in questioning | 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. | Used to inquire about something unknown. Appropriate in most contexts, especially informal speech. | 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 that vs What's that
What's the difference between What ever is that, What is that, and What's that?
What ever is that: A phrase used to express disbelief or confusion about something. What is that: A question asking for identification of something. What's that: A question asking about something you see or hear.
Which is more formal: What ever is that, What is that, and What's that?
What is that is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: What ever is that, What is that, and What's that?
What is that 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 that: Look at that strange object! What is that? What's that: Look at that strange noise; what's that?
Can I use What ever is that, What is that, and What's that interchangeably?
Not always. What ever is that, What is that, 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.