Cool MateWhat's the matter with you guys vs What's wrong
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What's the matter with you guys
InformalTop 1,000 (very common)
What's wrong
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most formal: What's wrong
| What's the matter with you guys | What's wrong | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //wɒts ðə ˈmætə wɪð juː ɡaɪz//🇺🇸 //wɑts ðə ˈmædər wɪð ju ɡaɪz// | 🇬🇧 //wɒts rɒŋ//🇺🇸 //wɑts rɔŋ// |
| Meaning | What's wrong with you? | What is the problem? |
| Example | Hey, what's the matter with you guys? You look worried. | When I saw her upset, I gently asked, 'What's wrong?' |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | what's the matter with you, what's the matter with them, what's the matter with us | ask what's wrong, find out what's wrong, tell me what's wrong |
| Antonyms | - | What's right, What's correct, What is okay |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'the matter' and just saying 'what's wrong', Using it in formal situations, Confusing it with 'what do you want?' | Confused with 'what's right' which inquires about correctness., Using in overly formal contexts can seem insincere. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversations; appropriate among friends but can sound confrontational if used in serious contexts. | Used to ask someone about their issues or concerns. Appropriate in casual and formal situations, but avoid overuse in professional settings. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: What's the matter with you guys vs What's wrong
What's the difference between What's the matter with you guys and What's wrong?
What's the matter with you guys: What's wrong with you? What's wrong: What is the problem?
Which is more formal: What's the matter with you guys and What's wrong?
What's wrong is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
What's the matter with you guys: Hey, what's the matter with you guys? You look worried. What's wrong: When I saw her upset, I gently asked, 'What's wrong?'
Can I use What's the matter with you guys and What's wrong interchangeably?
Not always. What's the matter with you guys and What's wrong 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.