Cool MateWhat's the matter vs What's the problem
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What's the matter
Top 2,000 (common)
What's the problem
Top 2,000 (common)
| What's the matter | What's the problem | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //wɒts ðə ˈmætə//🇺🇸 //wɑts ðə ˈmætər// | 🇬🇧 //wɒts ðə ˈprɒbləm//🇺🇸 //wɑts ðə ˈprɑbləm// |
| Meaning | What's wrong or what's the problem? | What is wrong? |
| Example | When I saw her crying, I asked, 'What's the matter?' | When he seemed upset, I asked him, 'What's the problem?' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | What's the problem, What's the issue, What's wrong | ask what's the problem, identify what's the problem, discuss what's the problem |
| Common mistakes | 'What's the matter' is often confused with 'What's up' which is more casual., Some learners forget to use it only when someone looks upset or unwell., Confused with 'What's wrong?' which is more direct and sometimes impolite. | Using 'what is the problem' in too formal contexts., Confusing with 'what's wrong', which is more emotional. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to ask someone about their issues or discomfort. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but avoid in very casual situations. | Used to ask someone to explain an issue or difficulty. Appropriate in most situations but best with informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: What's the matter vs What's the problem
What's the difference between What's the matter and What's the problem?
What's the matter: What's wrong or what's the problem? What's the problem: What is wrong?
Can you show an example of each?
What's the matter: When I saw her crying, I asked, 'What's the matter?' What's the problem: When he seemed upset, I asked him, 'What's the problem?'
Can I use What's the matter and What's the problem interchangeably?
Not always. What's the matter and What's the problem 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.