Cool MateWhat was it vs What was that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What was it
Top 2,000 (common)
What was that
Top 2,000 (common)
| What was it | What was that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //wɒt wəz ɪt//🇺🇸 //wɑt wəz ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //wɒt wəz ðæt//🇺🇸 //wɑt wəz ðæt// |
| Meaning | A question asking for information about something mentioned earlier. | A question asking for clarification about something that happened. |
| Example | I heard a loud noise. What was it? | Did you hear that? What was that? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | What was it about, What was it like, What was it for | what was that noise, what was that sound, what was that about |
| Antonyms | - | I understand, That is clear |
| Common mistakes | Omitting context can lead to confusion., Confusing with 'What is it' which asks for current information., Using it improperly in formal contexts. | Confused with 'what is that?' which asks about something present., Used in formal situations where clarity is important., Overused in conversations, when direct questions could suffice. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversations to inquire about a previous topic. Can be unclear if not enough context is provided. | Use when you need to clarify something you didn't hear or understand. Avoid in formal presentations. |
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Frequently asked questions: What was it vs What was that
What's the difference between What was it and What was that?
What was it: A question asking for information about something mentioned earlier. What was that: A question asking for clarification about something that happened.
Can you show an example of each?
What was it: I heard a loud noise. What was it? What was that: Did you hear that? What was that?
Can I use What was it and What was that interchangeably?
Not always. What was it and What was 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.