What Does What Mean in English Grammar

Quick Answer

"What" is a versatile English word that primarily functions as a pronoun to ask questions about identity, nature, or value of things, or to refer to unspecified objects. It can also serve as an adverb, an interjection, a determiner, and even a noun, with its precise meaning determined entirely by grammatical context and usage.

Understanding these different roles is essential for both comprehension and correct usage in writing and speech.

Key Facts

• "What" is most commonly used as an interrogative pronoun to ask about the identity, nature, or value of an object or matter.
• It can function as a pronoun meaning "that which," "whatever," or "the thing that."
• As an adverb, "what" can mean "in some manner or degree," "why," "such," or introduce coordinate phrases.
• As an interjection, it expresses surprise, disbelief, or serves as an abrupt inquiry.
• As a determiner, it asks "which one(s)" or "which kind of," or intensifies exclamations.
• As a noun, "what" refers to "something" or "the identity of a thing."
• Its pronunciation in American English is /wˈʌt/.

Background and Context

The word "what" is one of the most fundamental interrogatives in English, appearing in everyday conversation, formal writing, and instructional contexts. Its origins trace back to Old English hwæt, part of the Germanic family of question words (alongside "who," "when," "where," "why," and "how").

Over centuries, it has expanded beyond simple questioning to take on multiple grammatical roles. Understanding "what" matters because it is a high-frequency word that shapes meaning in subtle but significant ways.

A single sentence can change meaning entirely depending on whether "what" is used as a question word, a relative pronoun, or an exclamation. English learners and even native speakers sometimes confuse these functions, leading to ambiguous or incorrect phrasing.

The reference material from Merriam-Webster defines "what" as "used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the identity, nature, or value of an object or matter." This core interrogative function is the most familiar: "What is that?" or "What time is it?" However, the word's flexibility extends far beyond questions. For example, in the sentence "I know what you mean," "what" is no longer asking a question—it is acting as a pronoun that refers to an unspecified thing ("that which you mean").

Similarly, in "What a beautiful day!" it introduces an exclamation, intensifying the adjective "beautiful." These shifts are not random; they follow predictable patterns that can be learned and applied. The importance of mastering "what" lies in its ubiquity.

It appears in idioms ("what with one thing and another"), in exclamations ("What! You're kidding?"), and in formal logic ("What is true is worth pursuing").

Misusing it can lead to confusion, especially in contexts where precision matters, such as academic writing, legal documents, or technical instructions.

Detailed Explanation

What as a Pronoun

The pronoun function is the most common and varied use of "what." It can take several sub-forms:

Interrogative Pronoun: This is the classic question word. When you ask "What is that?" you are using "what" to request the identity or nature of an object.

The question expects an answer that specifies the thing in question. Example: "What happened?" — The answer describes an event.

Relative Pronoun: In this role, "what" means "that which" or "the thing that." It introduces a clause that functions as a noun. For example, "What you said is true" means "The thing that you said is true." Here, "what" is not asking anything; it is linking two parts of a sentence.

Indefinite Pronoun: "What" can also mean "whatever" or "anything that." In "Take what you need," it implies any unspecified items required. This usage is common in instructions and offers.

Interrogative in Indirect Questions: In reported speech or embedded questions, "what" retains its questioning sense but does not form a direct question. Example: "She asked what I wanted." The clause "what I wanted" is the object of "asked."

What as an Adverb

Adverbial uses of "what" are less common but important for understanding certain phrases. Partial or Manner: In phrases like "what with the rain and the traffic, we were late," "what" means "in part" or "partly due to." It introduces a reason or cause.

Introducing Coordinate Phrases: "What with one thing and another" uses "what" to link two related ideas. Similarly, "what...and what" can mean "both...and," though this is archaic in modern English.

Contradicting an Assumption: In dialogue, "what" can be used to challenge a previous statement, as in "What, you think I didn't try?" Here it functions as an adverb of manner, questioning the basis of an assumption. Why: In some dialects or older English, "what" can mean "why," as in "What would you do that for?" This overlaps with interrogative pronoun usage but carries a different nuance.

What as an Interjection

Interjections are words that express emotion or reaction, and "what" serves this role in several ways. Surprise or Disbelief: A sharp "What!" can indicate shock or incredulity.

For example, "What! You won the lottery?" The tone and context convey the emotion.

Abrupt Inquiry: Used as a stand-alone question, "What?" can mean "What do you want?" or "What did you say?" This is common in informal speech, though it can sound rude if not softened. Intensifier in Exclamations: Before an adjective phrase, "what" amplifies the emotion.

"What a wonderful idea!" uses "what" to emphasize "wonderful." This structure always requires an article ("a" or "an") before a countable noun, or no article with uncountable nouns ("What nonsense!").

What as a Determiner

As a determiner, "what" modifies a noun to ask about its identity or quantity. Interrogative Determiner: "What book are you reading?" asks for the specific identity of the book.

"What color is your car?" asks for a property. This is a direct question about a specific noun.

Exclamatory Determiner: In exclamations like "What luck!" or "What a mess!" the determiner "what" intensifies the noun. It signals strong emotion—usually surprise, admiration, or frustration.

Indefinite Determiner: "Whatever" meaning is rare but possible: "Take what money you need." This overlaps with the indefinite pronoun usage but directly modifies the noun "money."

What as a Noun

Though less common, "what" can be a noun meaning "the thing itself" or "the identity of a thing."

The Thing Itself: In philosophical or abstract contexts, "the what" refers to the object under discussion. For example, "We need to understand the what before the why."

Identity: "What" can mean "the answer to a question of what." In "The what is more important than the who," it contrasts the nature of a thing with the person involved.

Distinction from Who: The reference material notes that "what" addresses things, while "who" addresses persons. This distinction is crucial in grammar and etiquette: "What is that?" vs.

"Who is that?"

Common Questions and Misconceptions

1. "What" and "Which" Are Interchangeable

Many learners assume "what" and "which" can be used interchangeably when asking questions. They cannot.

"What" is used when the answer is open-ended or when the set of possibilities is unknown or unlimited. "Which" implies a limited set of choices.

For example, "What color do you like?" invites any color, while "Which color do you prefer—red or blue?" offers a specific set. Using "what" when options are known can sound vague or incorrect.

2. "What" Cannot Be Used in Relative Clauses

Some believe that "what" is only for questions and that "that" or "which" must be used for relative clauses. In fact, "what" can introduce a nominal relative clause (also called a free relative clause) where it means "that which." Example: "I like what you did" is perfectly grammatical.

However, "what" cannot replace "that" or "which" in adjectival relative clauses: "The book what I read" is incorrect; it must be "the book that/which I read."

3. "What" as an Interjection Is Always Rude

While a sharp "What!" can be abrupt or confrontational, the interjection can also express genuine surprise, excitement, or even admiration. The tone and context determine politeness.

In informal settings, "What!" can be a natural reaction to unexpected news. The key is delivery and accompanying body language.

4. "What" and "How" Are the Same in Exclamations

Exclamations like "What a beautiful day!" and "How beautiful!" are different structures. "What" requires a noun phrase ("what a day" or "what nonsense"), while "how" modifies an adjective or adverb directly ("how beautiful" or "how quickly").

They are not interchangeable. "What beautiful!" is ungrammatical; "How a beautiful day!" is also wrong.

5. "What" Is Always a Question Word

This is the most persistent misconception. As shown, "what" functions as a pronoun, adverb, interjection, determiner, and noun—often without any questioning intent.

In "I understand what you mean," the word is a relative pronoun, not a question. Recognizing these roles is key to accurate comprehension.

What to Watch For

When using "what," pay attention to these practical considerations:

Context Determines Meaning: Before assuming "what" is a question, look at the surrounding words. Is it followed by a verb (question) or a noun (determiner)?

Is it at the start of a clause (interrogative) or in the middle (relative)? The grammatical environment is your guide.

Pronunciation Clarity: In American English, "what" is pronounced /wˈʌt/. The initial "wh" sound is often reduced in rapid speech.

If you are learning English, practice this pronunciation to avoid confusion with "that" or "what's." The reference material from Accent Hero provides IPA transcription and pronunciation tools. Formal vs.

Informal Usage: Interjections and abrupt inquiries ("What!") are appropriate in casual conversation but not in formal writing. In academic or professional contexts, use "what" primarily as an interrogative or relative pronoun.

Exclamations like "What a discovery!" may appear in persuasive or narrative writing but should be used sparingly. Avoid Ambiguity: In sentences where "what" could be interpreted as either a question or a relative pronoun, clarify the structure.

For example, "Tell me what you know" is clear as an indirect question. But "What I know is secret" could be ambiguous if the listener expects a question.

Context usually resolves this, but if in doubt, rephrase. Check for Agreement: When "what" is the subject of a clause, verb agreement can be tricky.

Usually, "what" takes a singular verb when it refers to a single idea or thing: "What he said is true." But it can take a plural verb when the complement is plural: "What they need are more resources." There is no universal rule; the meaning dictates agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common function of "what" in English?

The most common function is as an interrogative pronoun used to ask questions about identity, nature, or value. Examples include "What is your name?" and "What time is it?" This is the primary definition provided by Merriam-Webster and other dictionary sources.

Can "what" be used as a relative pronoun?

Yes. "What" functions as a relative pronoun when it means "that which" or "the thing that." For example, in "I know what you mean," the clause "what you mean" acts as the object of "know." This is different from relative pronouns like "who" or "which," which refer back to a specific antecedent.

How do you pronounce "what" in American English?

According to the reference material from Accent Hero, the IPA transcription for "what" in American English is /wˈʌt/. The vowel sound is like the "u" in "cup," and the initial "wh" is pronounced as a simple /w/ sound (not a breathy "hw" as in some British dialects).

Is "what" always a question word?

No. While questioning is its most frequent use, "what" also serves as a pronoun ("that which"), an adverb ("what with the weather"), an interjection ("What!"), a determiner ("what color"), and a noun ("the what of the matter").

Its function depends entirely on grammatical context.

What is the difference between "what" and "which" in questions?

"What" is used when there is no predefined set of options, or when the set is unlimited. "Which" implies a limited, known set of choices.

For example, "What movie do you want to see?" leaves the options open, while "Which movie do you want to see—the comedy or the drama?" specifies a limited selection.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources, including definitions from Merriam-Webster, Wiktionary, and pronunciation guides from Accent Hero. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting on grammatical rules or usage guidance.