what for

USAGE SUMMARY

"what for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to ask the reason why something was or will be done. For example: "What for did they close the store?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What for?

The New York Times

"What for?" Rivera asked.

The New York Times - Sports

What for, I asked.

The New York Times

What for?' " she said.

The New York Times

What for: Funniness.

The New Yorker

What for Seniors.

The New Yorker

And what for?

The New York Times

I said yes, what for?

The New York Times

"What for?" "Just to take.

The New Yorker

"What for?" the judge inquired.

The New Yorker

Magic minerals Calcium What for?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what for" to directly question the reason or purpose behind an action, especially when you are surprised or skeptical. For example, if someone says they are buying ten loaves of bread, you might ask, "What for?"

Common error

While "what for" is acceptable in informal conversation, it can sound abrupt or impolite in more formal settings. Instead, opt for phrases like "for what reason" or "what is the purpose" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what for" functions as an interrogative adverbial, questioning the purpose, reason, or cause of an action or statement. It seeks clarification or justification, as seen in Ludwig examples where it's used to challenge or inquire about intentions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what for" is a common and grammatically correct way to ask about the reason or purpose behind something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it is most frequently found in news and media, it is generally considered informal and neutral, making it suitable for everyday conversations. However, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives such as "for what reason" in professional or academic settings. Be mindful of the context to ensure your language remains appropriate and effective. Remember that "what for" serves to elicit explanation and can express surprise or skepticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

why

A direct and concise question about the reason.

for what reason

More formal and explicit way of asking 'why'.

what's the purpose

Focuses on the intended aim or goal.

to what end

A more philosophical and probing inquiry.

what is the point

Questions the value or relevance of something.

what's the objective

Emphasizes the specific goal to be achieved.

what is the intention

Focuses on the motive behind an action.

on what account

Formal and somewhat archaic way of asking 'why'.

what's the rationale

Asks for the underlying logic or justification.

what's the justification

Seeks a reason to defend or support an action.

FAQs

How can I use "what for" in a sentence?

You can use "what for" to directly ask about the purpose or reason for something. For example, "I'm going to the store." "What for?"

What's a more formal way to say "what for"?

In more formal situations, you can use phrases like "for what reason" or "what is the purpose".

Is "what for" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what for" is grammatically correct in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English.

When is it appropriate to use "what for"?

"What for" is appropriate in informal conversations when you want a quick and direct explanation for something.