informal 1K

What’s going on

🇬🇧 UK //wɒts ˈɡəʊɪŋ ɒn// 🇺🇸 US //wɑts ˈɡoʊɪŋ ɑn//

Meaning of What’s going on

An informal way of asking what is happening or what the situation is.

In simple words: A way to ask what is happening or wrong.

What’s going on in a sentence

• When I walked in, I saw everyone looking worried and asked, 'What’s going on?'
• I heard a loud noise outside, so I yelled, 'What’s going on out there?'
• At the party, someone suddenly asked, 'What’s going on with that music?'
• She looked frustrated and I really wanted to know, 'What’s going on?'

How to use What’s going on

Use in casual conversations. Avoid in formal settings. Good for checking on someone’s feelings or the situation.

Grammar pattern

standalone greeting

Memory hint

Imagine a person looking confused, asking, 'What’s going on?' as they observe chaos.

Related words

Collocations with What’s going on

• What's going on here
• What's going on lately
• What's going on with you

Synonyms for What’s going on

• What's happening
• What's up
• What’s the matter
• What’s occurring

Common mistakes with What’s going on

• Using it in a formal context, which sounds inappropriate.
• Confusing it with 'What’s wrong?' which is more specific about problems.

Frequently asked questions about "What’s going on"

What does "What’s going on" mean?

A way to ask what is happening or wrong.

What is the definition of "What’s going on"?

An informal way of asking what is happening or what the situation is.

How do you use "What’s going on" in a sentence?

When I walked in, I saw everyone looking worried and asked, 'What’s going on?'

Can you give another example of "What’s going on"?

I heard a loud noise outside, so I yelled, 'What’s going on out there?'

What are synonyms for "What’s going on"?

Common alternatives include What's happening, What's up, What’s the matter, What’s occurring.

What words go with "What’s going on"?

It commonly pairs with What's going on here, What's going on lately, What's going on with you.

What are common mistakes when using "What’s going on"?

Using it in a formal context, which sounds inappropriate. Confusing it with 'What’s wrong?' which is more specific about problems.

How do you pronounce "What’s going on"?

US: //wɑts ˈɡoʊɪŋ ɑn//, UK: //wɒts ˈɡəʊɪŋ ɒn//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is "What’s going on" formal or informal?

"What’s going on" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use "What’s going on"?

Use in casual conversations. Avoid in formal settings. Good for checking on someone’s feelings or the situation.