what is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is that" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to inquire about the identity or nature of something. Example: "I saw something strange in the sky; what is that?" Alternative expressions include "what's that" and "what is it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BURKE: What is that?

The New Yorker

What is that like?

The New York Times

What is that point?

The New Yorker

What is that theme?

The New York Times - Books

And what is that?

The New York Times

What is that garment?

The New York Times

What is that worth?

The New York Times - Arts

What is that direction?

The New York Times

What is that model?

The Economist

What is that noise?

The New Yorker

What is that expression?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what is that" when you need a direct and immediate identification of something, whether visible or conceptual. It's suitable in both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "that" when you are clearly referring to something previously mentioned. In such cases, "it" is more appropriate. For example, if you already pointed to an object, asking "What is it?" is more natural than "What is that?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is that" functions primarily as an interrogative phrase, used to seek identification or clarification about an object, concept, or situation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from identifying a physical object to understanding a theme or idea. The phrase's directness makes it suitable for prompting immediate explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is that" is a versatile and frequently used interrogative phrase employed to seek clarification or identification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate in diverse settings, primarily within News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts. While simple, this phrase is invaluable for immediate understanding and bridging knowledge gaps. For more formal scenarios, consider alternatives like "can you identify that?". Avoid mistaking "that" for "it", and ensure the pronoun aligns with the context of the discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's that

Contraction of "what is that", offering a more informal alternative.

what is it

A variation using "it" instead of "that", suitable when referring to something already implied.

can you identify that

A more formal request for identification.

could you explain that

Shifts the focus to requesting an explanation rather than simple identification.

what does that mean

Inquires about the meaning or significance of something.

what are you referring to

Asks for clarification on the subject being discussed.

what's the object

Asks more directly about the nature of an object.

what specifics are those

Request more context-specific information.

please, specify it

Is a request for specification in a more imperative way.

elaborate on that

Shifts to a request to add details about something.

FAQs

How can I use "what is that" in a sentence?

Use "what is that" when you encounter something unknown and need clarification. For example, "I see a strange object in the sky; what is that?"

What's a more informal way to say "what is that"?

A more informal alternative is "what's that", which is a contraction of "what is that".

What's the difference between "what is that" and "what is it"?

"What is that" is typically used when referring to something visible or pointed out, while "what is it" is used for something already under discussion or implied.

Are there any formal alternatives to "what is that"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "can you identify that?" or "could you explain that?", depending on the context.