Cool MateWhat's the problem vs What's wrong
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What's the problem
Top 2,000 (common)
What's wrong
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most common: What's wrong
| What's the problem | What's wrong | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //wɒts ðə ˈprɒbləm//🇺🇸 //wɑts ðə ˈprɑbləm// | 🇬🇧 //wɒts rɒŋ//🇺🇸 //wɑts rɔŋ// |
| Meaning | What is wrong? | What is the problem? |
| Example | When he seemed upset, I asked him, 'What's the problem?' | When I saw her upset, I gently asked, 'What's wrong?' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | ask what's the problem, identify what's the problem, discuss what's the problem | ask what's wrong, find out what's wrong, tell me what's wrong |
| Antonyms | - | What's right, What's correct, What is okay |
| Common mistakes | Using 'what is the problem' in too formal contexts., Confusing with 'what's wrong', which is more emotional. | Confused with 'what's right' which inquires about correctness., Using in overly formal contexts can seem insincere. |
| Usage notes | Used to ask someone to explain an issue or difficulty. Appropriate in most situations but best with informal contexts. | Used to ask someone about their issues or concerns. Appropriate in casual and formal situations, but avoid overuse in professional settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: What's the problem vs What's wrong
What's the difference between What's the problem and What's wrong?
What's the problem: What is wrong? What's wrong: What is the problem?
Which is more common: What's the problem and What's wrong?
What's wrong is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
What's the problem: When he seemed upset, I asked him, 'What's the problem?' What's wrong: When I saw her upset, I gently asked, 'What's wrong?'
Can I use What's the problem and What's wrong interchangeably?
Not always. What's the problem and What's wrong 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.