what is this

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "What is this?" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are asking a question about something you don't understand, for example: "I can't figure out how to use this tool - what is this?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What is this worth?

The New York Times

What is this culture?

Independent

What is this then?

The New York Times

What is this presence?

The New York Times

What is this secret?

The New York Times

MOLLY: What is this?

The New Yorker

What is this language?

The New York Times

"What is this fish?

The New Yorker

What is this thing?

The New York Times - Sports

And what is this.

The Economist

What is this, Atlanta?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what is this" when you encounter something unknown or confusing and require immediate identification or explanation. It is suitable for both spoken and written contexts.

Common error

While acceptable in most situations, consider alternatives like "Could you please explain this further?" or "What is the significance of this?" in highly formal documents to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "what is this" is to form an interrogative clause, specifically a direct question. It seeks to elicit information about the identity or nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is this" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative phrase that serves to inquire about the identity or nature of something unknown. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate in written English. Its neutral register makes it versatile for various contexts, though it may be perceived as informal in highly formal settings. The phrase is prevalent in news and media, and in science related articles, reflecting its function in seeking immediate clarification. When striving for more elevated or refined prose, consider alternatives such as "Could you please explain this further?" or "What is the significance of this?"

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What's this?

A contraction is used, making it slightly more informal.

What is it?

Focuses on the object's general nature rather than immediate identification.

Can you explain this?

Shifts focus to seeking an explanation instead of direct identification.

What does this mean?

Asks for the meaning or significance of something.

What are we looking at?

Used when multiple people are observing something together.

What's the meaning of this?

More emphatic about understanding the deeper meaning.

Could you clarify this?

A polite way to ask for more information or a simpler explanation.

I don't understand this

States a lack of understanding rather than directly asking for identification.

What's the purpose of this?

Focuses on the intention or function behind something.

How would you describe this?

Seeks a descriptive explanation or characterization.

FAQs

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

You can use "what is this" when you are confused or curious about something. For instance, if you find an unusual object, you might ask, "What is this?". It's a direct way to seek identification or explanation.

What can I say instead of "what is this"?

You can use alternatives like "what's this", "what is it", or "can you explain this" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "what is this"?

While generally correct, using "what is this" repeatedly can sound informal or even impatient. In formal writing or polite conversation, consider phrasing your questions more elaborately, such as "Could you please elaborate on this?" or "What is the significance of this?"

What's the difference between "what is this" and "what's the meaning of this"?

"What is this" seeks immediate identification or a basic explanation, while "what's the meaning of this" implies you understand what something is superficially but want to understand its deeper significance or purpose.