Cool MateWhat does it mean vs What is this about
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What does it mean
Top 2,000 (common)
What is this about
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: What does it mean
| What does it mean | What is this about | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //wɒt dʌz ɪt miːn//🇺🇸 //wɑt dʌz ɪt min// | 🇬🇧 //wɒt ɪz ðɪs əˈbaʊt//🇺🇸 //wɑt ɪz ðɪs əˈbaʊt// |
| Meaning | What is the meaning of this? | A question asking for information or clarification about a topic. |
| Example | I read the poem but what does it mean? | When I saw the poster, I thought, 'What is this about?' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | what does it mean in context, what does it mean to, what does this mean for us | ask what this is about, wonder what this is about, discuss what this is about |
| Common mistakes | Using 'what does this mean' without context., Confusing with 'What does it mean to' when asking for definitions., Inserting unnecessary words, making it convoluted. | Use 'what this about' instead of 'what is this about'., Omit 'this' when asking a question., Use inappropriately in very formal situations. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to ask for clarification. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Avoid excessive use in casual conversations where simpler questions might suffice. | Use when you want to understand the main idea or purpose of something. It's appropriate in most contexts but might sound too informal in very formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: What does it mean vs What is this about
What's the difference between What does it mean and What is this about?
What does it mean: What is the meaning of this? What is this about: A question asking for information or clarification about a topic.
Which is more common: What does it mean and What is this about?
What does it mean is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
What does it mean: I read the poem but what does it mean? What is this about: When I saw the poster, I thought, 'What is this about?'
Can I use What does it mean and What is this about interchangeably?
Not always. What does it mean and What is this about 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.