what this does

USAGE SUMMARY

"what this does" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about the purpose or function of something. For example: "I'm not sure what this does, can you help me understand it?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can we even imagine what this would be?" (2009a, 407).

SEP

Let's just remember what this — Mike Kalenderian (@ItsMikeKay September 17, 2015.

Vice

Several papers support the concept of metabolically healthy obese (MHO) individuals and investigate what factors characterize this phenotype[3], [4], [5], [6].

Plosone

What's distinctive about old age now, and what makes the lives of the so-called old old interesting, is what this generation of 80- and 90-somethings and centurions brings to it.

The New York Times - Arts

"What's going to emerge from this, 20, 30 years from now?" he asked.

The New York Times

Imagine what this meant: a 10 stone pilot pulling 10g would find his body weighing 100 stone, and this in age long before pressure suits.

BBC

Invoking bargaining theory, they attempted to show (1) that rational agents in a suitably idealized bargaining situation will agree on a specific, unique distribution of the benefits of cooperation, (2) what this distribution looks like, (3) that this distribution determines what is just, and (4), in case of Gauthier, that rational agents will comply with the terms of the bargain.

SEP

Because that's, what, about 15, 16 years ago.

The New York Times - Magazine

Another recent review, this time of what 11-14-year-olds should learn, also plumped for more cross-curricular learning.Many countries' curriculums consist of high-flown descriptions of the paragonic citizens that education is meant to help produce, couched in impenetrable educationalese.

The Economist

What this means is that 7 in 10 registered voters agree with President Obama's signature climate accomplishment, the Clean Power Plan.

The Guardian

What this created was a 50-by-100-foot structure, full of vast, unbroken areas, the sort of space and light that is so dear to an urban painter's heart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When explaining a complex process or mechanism, use "what this does" to introduce a clear and concise summary of its primary action or effect.

Common error

Avoid using "what this does" when you actually want to describe how something is done. "What this does" is for explaining the effect or result, not the process itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what this does" functions as a clause introducing an explanation of the purpose or function of something. It commonly serves as a subject complement, clarifying the action or effect produced. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what this does" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce an explanation of a function, effect, or result. Ludwig AI validates its usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and wiki sources, it serves to clarify the purpose or outcome, as opposed to the process itself. When using "what this does", it's crucial to focus on the effect rather than getting sidetracked explaining the 'how'. Alternatives like "what its function is" or "the purpose it serves" offer more formal options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what its function is

A more formal and direct way of asking about the subject's purpose.

what purpose it serves

Directly asks about the intended goal or utility of the subject.

what it performs

Specifically refers to the actions or operations executed.

how it functions

Shifts the focus to the method and process of operation.

what it accomplishes

Highlights the result or achievement produced by the subject.

what role it plays

Emphasizes the function within a larger system or context.

how it operates

Similar to "how it functions" but may imply a more mechanical process.

what it entails

Focuses on the implications and involved aspects rather than the direct function.

what it involves

Focuses on the components and processes that are part of the subject.

what it signifies

Emphasizes the meaning or symbolic value rather than the operational function.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what this does" to sound more formal?

Consider alternatives like "what its function is" or "the purpose it serves". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to use "what this does" in academic writing?

Yes, it is acceptable, especially when you need to clearly and concisely explain the function or outcome of a process, theory, or mechanism. However, ensure your writing maintains a professional tone.

What is the difference between "what this does" and "how this works"?

"What this does" explains the effect or result, while "how this works" explains the process or method by which something achieves that result. For example: "What this filter does is remove impurities", while "How this filter works is by using a series of membranes".

What can I say instead of "what this does" when explaining the significance of something?

You can use alternatives like "what it signifies" or "what it entails" to emphasize meaning and implications.