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What's really going on

🇬🇧 UK //wɒts ˈrɪəli ˈgəʊɪŋ ɒn// 🇺🇸 US //wɑts ˈrɪli ˈɡoʊɪŋ ɑn//

Meaning of What's really going on

A phrase inquiring about the true situation or emotions behind an action or event.

In simple words: A phrase asking about the true situation or feelings.

What's really going on in a sentence

• When you seem upset, I often ask, 'What's really going on?'
• In our meeting, I could tell something was off; I asked, 'What's really going on?'
• She looked distracted, so I wondered, 'What's really going on with her?'
• During our chat, he avoided my questions; I finally asked, 'What's really going on?'
• At the party, I noticed tensions; I felt I should ask, 'What's really going on?'

How to use What's really going on

Use in conversations when seeking to understand a deeper truth, often in informal contexts. Avoid in very formal situations.

Grammar pattern

standalone greeting

Memory hint

Think of a detective asking, 'What's really going on?' to solve a mystery.

Related words

Collocations with What's really going on

• ask what's really going on
• wonder what's really going on
• feel like something's going on

Synonyms for What's really going on

• What's happening?
• What's the truth?
• What’s the matter?

Common mistakes with What's really going on

• Using it when you don't really want an answer.
• Saying it too formally in inappropriate contexts.

Frequently asked questions about What's really going on

What does What's really going on mean?

A phrase asking about the true situation or feelings.

What is the definition of What's really going on?

A phrase inquiring about the true situation or emotions behind an action or event.

How do you use What's really going on in a sentence?

When you seem upset, I often ask, 'What's really going on?'

Can you give another example of What's really going on?

In our meeting, I could tell something was off; I asked, 'What's really going on?'

What are synonyms for What's really going on?

Common alternatives include What's happening?, What's the truth?, What’s the matter?.

What words go with What's really going on?

It commonly pairs with ask what's really going on, wonder what's really going on, feel like something's going on.

What are common mistakes when using What's really going on?

Using it when you don't really want an answer. Saying it too formally in inappropriate contexts.

How do you pronounce What's really going on?

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

When should I use What's really going on?

Use in conversations when seeking to understand a deeper truth, often in informal contexts. Avoid in very formal situations.