What: Definition and Synonyms
What – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “what” is primarily used as a pronoun or an adverb in English. As a pronoun, it functions to ask questions about identity or nature (e.g., “What is your name?”) and can also introduce clauses or relative sentences (e.g., “I don’t know what he wants.”). When used as an adverb, “what” adds emphasis to expressions of quantity or degree (e.g., “What a beautiful view!”).
Core Synonyms
Below is a table listing synonyms for what, along with their brief definitions and example sentences in various contexts.
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Which | Used to specify from among a set or group. | “Which book would you recommend?” | Formal, Academic |
| That | Introduces clauses; implies specific context. | “I’m unsure of what she means.” vs. “I’m unsure of that.” | Informal/Formal |
| The Thing | Colloquial or informal term for an object/situation. | “The thing is, we can’t decide on a date yet.” | Casual |
| Anything | Implies any possible option; often used in negative constructions. | “Is there anything I can do to help?” | Informal/Neutral |
Usage Notes
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Which: Commonly employed in both written and spoken English where a choice is being offered, making it suitable for formal contexts like business communications or academic settings.
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Example: In a survey, you might ask, “Please select which option best describes your experience.”
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That: Often used when referencing something known to the speaker but not necessarily clear to the listener. It’s more common in casual dialogue than formal writing due to its ambiguity without prior context.
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Example: In conversation: “I didn’t understand that point in his speech.”
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The Thing: Informal and conversational, this synonym is often used when one wishes to avoid being too specific or precise, commonly found in spoken language.
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Example: “We need to talk about the thing with your car.”
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Anything: Versatile and frequently used in both negative and open-ended contexts; it’s particularly useful for expressing a lack of restrictions on choice or response.
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Example: In customer service: “If there’s anything else you need, please let us know.”
Common Pitfalls
One common error is confusing that with what, especially when forming questions. Remember that “which” and “what” are often used for specific versus general inquiries:
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Incorrect: “What do you want?” (when a choice from a defined set is expected).
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Correct: “Which drink would you like?”
Another mistake involves using the thing in formal writing where more precise language would be appropriate.
Final Recap
In summary, the word “what” can be replaced with synonyms such as “which,” “that,” “the thing,” and “anything,” each carrying distinct nuances suitable for various contexts. “Which” is ideal for specific selections, “that” introduces clauses or refers to known subjects, “the thing” provides an informal way to refer to vague concepts, and “anything” implies no limitations in choice or options.
Encourage readers to experiment with these synonyms by crafting sentences that fit different scenarios—business, academic, or casual. Practicing will help solidify understanding of their appropriate use and enhance your vocabulary proficiency.