Cool MateWhat vs Whatever
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What
High-frequency chunkA1
Whatever
InformalTop 1,000 (very common)B1
Most formal: What
| What | Whatever | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/wɒt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/wʌt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/wɒtˈevə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/wətˈevər/"]/ |
| Meaning | Used to ask for information about something. | any thing or any one; used to show indifference |
| Example | What is your name? | Take whatever action is needed. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | High-frequency chunk | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B1 |
| Collocations | what time, what if, what about | whatever you want, whatever happens, whatever it takes |
| Antonyms | that, nothing | nothing, none, no matter what |
| Common mistakes | 'What' is sometimes confused with 'which' when choosing from specific options., Learners may forget to use a subject after 'what'., Using 'what' to ask about time, when 'when' should be used. | Used too seriously in formal writing., Confused with 'whichever' in context., Mispronounced as 'what-ever' instead of 'whatev-er'. |
| Usage notes | Used to ask questions in a variety of situations. Avoid in very formal contexts; in those cases, use 'that which' or 'which one'. | Often used to dismiss a topic or show lack of concern. Avoid in formal contexts; can come off as rude if not used lightly. |
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Frequently asked questions: What vs Whatever
What's the difference between What and Whatever?
What: Used to ask for information about something. Whatever: any thing or any one; used to show indifference
Which is more formal: What and Whatever?
What is the most formal of these.
Which is more advanced: What and Whatever?
Whatever is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are What and Whatever the same CEFR level?
What: A1, Whatever: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
What: What is your name? Whatever: Take whatever action is needed.
Can I use What and Whatever interchangeably?
Not always. What and Whatever 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.