Cool MateWhat is it vs What's that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What is it
Top 2,000 (common)
What's that
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: What is itMost common: What is it
| What is it | What's that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //wɒt ɪz ɪt//🇺🇸 //wɑt ɪz ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //wɒts ðæt//🇺🇸 //wɑts ðæt// |
| Meaning | A question asking for identification or explanation. | A question asking about something you see or hear. |
| Example | Look at that! What is it? | Look at that strange noise; what's that? |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | what is it about, what is it for, can you tell me what it is | what's that sound?, what's that over there?, what's that doing? |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'is' (saying 'what it?'), Not using a question mark at the end, Using in inappropriate formal contexts | Used in formal situations where a more polite inquiry is needed., Confused with 'what is that', which is more formal. |
| Usage notes | Use in everyday conversation when asking for clarification. Avoid in formal writing. | 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 is it vs What's that
What's the difference between What is it and What's that?
What is it: A question asking for identification or explanation. What's that: A question asking about something you see or hear.
Which is more formal: What is it and What's that?
What is it is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: What is it and What's that?
What is it is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
What is it: Look at that! What is it? What's that: Look at that strange noise; what's that?
Can I use What is it and What's that interchangeably?
Not always. What is it 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.