Cool MateWhat ever is that vs What is that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What ever is that
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
What is that
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most formal: What is thatMost common: What is that
| What ever is that | What is that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈwɒt ˈɛvə ɪz ðæt//🇺🇸 //ˈwɑt ˈɛvər ɪz ðæt// | 🇬🇧 //wɒt ɪz ðæt//🇺🇸 //wɑt ɪz ðæt// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to express disbelief or confusion about something. | A question asking for identification of something. |
| Example | When I saw the strange machine, I thought, 'What ever is that?' | Look at that strange object! What is that? |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | What ever is that object, What ever is that noise, What ever is that smell | what is that noise, what is that thing, what is that smell |
| Common mistakes | Using it in a formal setting., Mispronouncing 'whatever' as 'what ever'., Using it without proper context. | Omitting 'that' (e.g. saying 'What is?'), Using in overly formal contexts, Incorrect intonation in questioning |
| Usage notes | Usually used in casual conversation. Can show surprise or disapproval. Not suitable for formal contexts. | Used to inquire about something unknown. Appropriate in most contexts, especially informal speech. |
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Frequently asked questions: What ever is that vs What is that
What's the difference between What ever is that and What is that?
What ever is that: A phrase used to express disbelief or confusion about something. What is that: A question asking for identification of something.
Which is more formal: What ever is that and What is that?
What is that is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: What ever is that and What is that?
What is that is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
What ever is that: When I saw the strange machine, I thought, 'What ever is that?' What is that: Look at that strange object! What is that?
Can I use What ever is that and What is that interchangeably?
Not always. What ever is that and What is that 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.