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UK//wɒt ɪz ðæt//US//wɑt ɪz ðæt//

Meaning of What is that

A phrase used to ask about the identity of something.

In simple words: A question asking for identification of something.

What is that in a sentence

  • Look at that strange object! What is that?
  • I saw something unusual in the sky. What is that?
  • During the tour, he pointed at an artifact and asked, 'What is that?'

How to use What is that

Used to inquire about something unknown. Appropriate in most contexts, especially informal speech.

Grammar pattern

question + object

Memory hint

Imagine a detective pointing and asking, 'What is that?'

Related words

Collocations with What is that

  • what is that noise
  • what is that thing
  • what is that smell

Synonyms for What is that

Common mistakes with What is that

  • Omitting 'that' (e.g. saying 'What is?')
  • Using in overly formal contexts
  • Incorrect intonation in questioning

Compare What is that with What's that, What is it, What's this

What is that appears in

What is that in other languages

More chunks like What is that

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Frequently asked questions about What is that

What does What is that mean?

A question asking for identification of something.

What is the definition of What is that?

A phrase used to ask about the identity of something.

How do you use What is that in a sentence?

Look at that strange object! What is that?

Can you give another example of What is that?

I saw something unusual in the sky. What is that?

What are synonyms for What is that?

Common alternatives include what's that, what is it, what's this.

What words go with What is that?

It commonly pairs with what is that noise, what is that thing, what is that smell.

What are common mistakes when using What is that?

Omitting 'that' (e.g. saying 'What is?') Using in overly formal contexts Incorrect intonation in questioning

How do you pronounce What is that?

US: //wɑt ɪz ðæt//, UK: //wɒt ɪz ðæt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use What is that?

Used to inquire about something unknown. Appropriate in most contexts, especially informal speech.