what is going on

USAGE SUMMARY

"What is going on" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is a way to ask someone what is happening. For example, you may use it in a situation like this: John was walking around the house, looking perplexed. His wife noticed and asked him, "What is going on?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

What is going on?

The New York Times

But what is going on?

The New York Times - Arts

"I was like: 'What is going on?

The New York Times

What is going on with ISAs?

Independent

What is going on in the text?

Functional Linguistics

What is going on in my system?

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

What was going on?

The New York Times

ReprintsWhat's going on?

The Economist

But what's going on?

The New Yorker

So what was going on?

The New Yorker

So what's going on?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what is going on" to inquire about a situation that seems unclear or confusing. It's appropriate in most informal and neutral settings.

Common error

While "what is going on" is widely accepted, consider using more formal alternatives like "what is the situation" or "can you explain what has occurred" in professional or academic writing to maintain a level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is going on" functions as an interrogative expression used to seek information about a current situation or event. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a straightforward way to ask for clarification when something is unclear or confusing. The examples show its use in various contexts to prompt explanations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

26%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is going on" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed interrogative phrase used to inquire about unfolding situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a direct means of seeking clarity and understanding. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, it maintains a neutral to informal register, adaptable for various communicative contexts. While "what is going on" is widely accepted, in more formal contexts, consider opting for alternatives such as "what is the situation" or "can you explain what happened" to maintain a more professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's happening

This is a more concise and informal alternative, suitable for casual conversations.

what is happening

This phrase is a more formal variant of "what's happening" but carries the same meaning.

what's up

This is a very informal and brief way to ask what is happening, typically used in casual settings.

what is the matter

This suggests that something is wrong or causing concern, implying a problem.

what's the commotion

This phrase implies there is some disturbance or unusual activity.

what is all this

This is used when you are confronted with a situation that requires explanation.

can you explain what's happening

This directly asks for an explanation and is more polite.

what has occurred

A more formal way of asking what happened, often used in official or serious contexts.

what's the situation

This is a more neutral way to inquire about the current circumstances.

what's the deal

This is an informal way to ask about the underlying issue or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "what is going on" in a sentence?

You can use "what is going on" to inquire about an event or situation you don't understand. For example, "I came into the room and asked, "what is going on"?"

What's a more formal way to ask "what is going on"?

For formal situations, consider using phrases like "what is the situation" or "can you explain what happened".

Is it correct to say "what is going on" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, it's generally better to use more formal language in academic writing. Consider rephrasing your question to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "what is going on" and "what's up"?

"What is going on" is a general inquiry about a situation, while "what's up" is a more casual and informal greeting or question about someone's well-being or recent activities.