informal 2K

What was that about

🇬🇧 UK //wɒt wəz ðæt əˈbaʊt// 🇺🇸 US //wɑt wəz ðæt əˈbaʊt//

Meaning of What was that about

A phrase used to ask for clarification on a previous statement or event.

In simple words: A phrase used to ask for clarification on a topic or event.

What was that about in a sentence

• After the strange noise, I turned to my friend and asked, 'What was that about?'
• 'I heard you talking about your plans. What was that about?'
• When she started laughing, I couldn't help but ask, 'What was that about?'
• 'He mentioned a surprise; I was curious and thought, what was that about?'
• Looking puzzled after the meeting, I asked my boss, 'What was that about?'

How to use What was that about

This phrase is often used in casual conversations to inquire about something that has just been mentioned or occurred. It's suitable among friends but may be too informal in formal situations.

Grammar pattern

standalone question

Memory hint

Imagine someone shrugging in confusion and asking 'What was that about?' after a confusing story.

Related words

Collocations with What was that about

• ask what was that about
• wonder what was that about
• respond to what was that about

Synonyms for What was that about

• What do you mean?
• Can you explain?
• What's going on?
• What happened?
• What was that?

Common mistakes with What was that about

• Using it in formal contexts, which sounds too casual.
• Overusing it in conversations, leading to confusion.
• Confusing it with 'What is this about?', which can sound more authoritative.

Frequently asked questions about What was that about

What does What was that about mean?

A phrase used to ask for clarification on a topic or event.

What is the definition of What was that about?

A phrase used to ask for clarification on a previous statement or event.

How do you use What was that about in a sentence?

After the strange noise, I turned to my friend and asked, 'What was that about?'

Can you give another example of What was that about?

'I heard you talking about your plans. What was that about?'

What are synonyms for What was that about?

Common alternatives include What do you mean?, Can you explain?, What's going on?, What happened?, What was that?.

What words go with What was that about?

It commonly pairs with ask what was that about, wonder what was that about, respond to what was that about.

What are common mistakes when using What was that about?

Using it in formal contexts, which sounds too casual. Overusing it in conversations, leading to confusion. Confusing it with 'What is this about?', which can sound more authoritative.

How do you pronounce What was that about?

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

Is What was that about formal or informal?

"What was that about" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use What was that about?

This phrase is often used in casual conversations to inquire about something that has just been mentioned or occurred. It's suitable among friends but may be too informal in formal situations.