Cool MateWhat is that vs What's this
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What is that
Top 1,000 (very common)
What's this
Top 1,000 (very common)
| What is that | What's this | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //wɒt ɪz ðæt//🇺🇸 //wɑt ɪz ðæt// | 🇬🇧 //wɒts ðɪs//🇺🇸 //wɑts ðɪs// |
| Meaning | A question asking for identification of something. | A question asking about something you see or have. |
| Example | Look at that strange object! What is that? | When I saw the strange device on the table, I asked, 'What's this?' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | what is that noise, what is that thing, what is that smell | what's this about, what's this place, what's this doing here |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'that' (e.g. saying 'What is?'), Using in overly formal contexts, Incorrect intonation in questioning | Using it with a serious tone in formal situations., Confusing it with 'what is that' which can be seen as more formal. |
| Usage notes | Used to inquire about something unknown. Appropriate in most contexts, especially informal speech. | Use in informal settings when you want clarification about an object or situation. Avoid in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: What is that vs What's this
What's the difference between What is that and What's this?
What is that: A question asking for identification of something. What's this: A question asking about something you see or have.
Can you show an example of each?
What is that: Look at that strange object! What is that? What's this: When I saw the strange device on the table, I asked, 'What's this?'
Can I use What is that and What's this interchangeably?
Not always. What is that and What's this 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.