What is this vs. What is it – Which is Correct?
“What is this” and “what is it” are both grammatically correct interrogative phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. “What is this” typically refers to something physically present, visible, or immediately at hand, implying proximity. “What is it” is more general, referring to something abstract, previously mentioned, or not directly observable.
what is this or what is it – Which is Correct?
Both “what is this” and “what is it” are grammatically correct and widely used in American English. The distinction lies in the specific context and the nature of the object or concept being referred to. The core difference stems from the pronouns “this” and “it.” “This” is a demonstrative pronoun, used to point to something specific, usually nearby, or recently introduced. “It” is a personal pronoun, used to refer to a non-human singular noun that has already been mentioned or is understood from the context, or to an abstract idea or situation.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
A simple trick to remember the difference is to think about proximity and specificity. Use “what is this” when you can physically point to or are holding the object, or when something is immediately apparent and new in your direct environment. Think of “this” as meaning “this thing right here.” Use “what is it” when referring to something abstract, a sound you hear but can’t see, an idea, a problem, or something that has been previously mentioned in a conversation. Think of “it” as referring to “that thing we’re talking about” or “that situation.”
| Phrase | Grammatical Role/Meaning | Primary Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| what is this | Interrogative phrase using a demonstrative pronoun. | Asks about something physically present, visible, or immediately observed. | “You’re holding a strange device. What is this?“ |
| what is it | Interrogative phrase using a personal pronoun. | Asks about something abstract, previously mentioned, or not immediately visible. | “I heard a strange noise from upstairs. What is it?“ |
How to Use what is this
The phrase “what is this” is employed when you are encountering something new, unfamiliar, or unexpected that is directly in your presence or immediately perceptible. It implies a direct, often sensory, engagement with the object or situation. You might be holding it, looking at it, hearing it, or smelling it. The tone can range from curious to surprised or even alarmed, depending on the context. It’s a direct request for identification or explanation of something specific and present.
Example 1: You open a package and find an unfamiliar gadget. “What is this strange device?”
Example 2: While walking through a garden, you notice an unusual flower. “Look at this! What is this plant?”
Example 3: A friend hands you a document you’ve never seen before. You ask, “What is this paper you’re giving me?”
Etymology of the phrase what is this
The phrase “what is this” is a combination of ancient Germanic roots. “What” comes from Old English hwæt, an interrogative pronoun. “Is” derives from Old English is, the third-person singular present indicative of “to be.” “This” originates from Old English þis, a demonstrative pronoun indicating something near or just mentioned. Together, these words form a common question structure that has persisted for centuries, reflecting a direct inquiry about a proximate subject.
How to Use what is it
The phrase “what is it” is more versatile and can refer to a broader range of subjects. It is used when asking about something abstract (like a problem or an idea), something previously discussed or implied, or something not immediately visible or tangible, such as a sound, an event, or a feeling. It often serves as a general inquiry when the subject is known to exist but its nature or details are unknown.
Example 1: Your friend looks worried. You ask, “You seem troubled. What is it?”
Example 2: There’s a persistent knocking sound from the other room. “Did you hear that? What is it?”
Example 3: A new directive was issued at work. You inquire, “They sent out a memo. What is it about?”
Etymology of the phrase what is it
Like “what is this,” “what is it” draws from Old English. “What” (hwæt) and “is” (is) maintain their origins. “It” comes from Old English hit, the neuter singular personal pronoun. This pronoun was used to refer to things, animals, or abstract concepts, establishing its role in generalized inquiries. The combination forms a fundamental interrogative structure for discussing non-specific or previously referenced subjects.
Related Concepts
Understanding these broader grammatical concepts can help clarify the appropriate use of “what is this” and “what is it.”
- Demonstrative Pronouns: Words like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” point to specific nouns. “This” (singular, near) is key to “what is this,” indicating something close in space or time.
- Personal Pronouns: Words like “it,” “he,” “she,” “they,” and “we” refer to people, places, or things already mentioned or understood. “It” (singular, non-human) is central to “what is it,” referring to a general or previously identified subject.
- Interrogative Sentences: Both phrases are types of questions, designed to elicit information. They use interrogative words (like “what”) to seek details about a subject.
Examples from Media and Literature
- In the film Pulp Fiction, when Vincent Vega opens the mysterious briefcase, he asks with awe, “What is this?” referring to its glowing contents.
- From George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, Winston often ponders the nature of the Party’s control, at times questioning, “What is it all for?” when reflecting on the broader system.
- A famous line from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, though slightly modified, captures the essence: Juliet might have wondered upon seeing Romeo, “What is this man?” if she had no prior knowledge of him.
- In news reports about a newly discovered species, a scientist might exclaim, “We’ve never seen anything like this before! What is this creature?”
- When a politician faces a scandal, a reporter might ask, “There’s a serious allegation. What is it you have to say about this?” referring to the problem itself.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- You find an unfamiliar ring on the floor. “Oh, ____?”
- Your friend seems upset. You ask, “You look worried. ____?”
- Someone left a strange package on your desk. “____ doing here?”
- The news report mentioned a significant economic downturn. “____ going to mean for our jobs?”
- You’re trying a new dish at a restaurant. “Wow, ____! This is delicious.”
Answer Key
- What is this?
- What is it?
- What is this?
- What is it?
- What is this?
what is this Synonyms
| Alternative Inquiry | Context/Meaning |
|---|---|
| What is this object? | Directly asking for identification of a physical item. |
| What’s this thing? | A more casual way to ask about a present, unfamiliar item. |
| Tell me about this. | A request for information or explanation about something at hand. |
what is it Synonyms
| Alternative Inquiry | Context/Meaning |
|---|---|
| What’s the matter? | Asking about a problem, issue, or state of affairs. |
| What’s happening? | A general inquiry about current events or a situation. |
| What’s going on? | Similar to “what’s happening,” often implying surprise or confusion about a situation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can “what is this” and “what is it” ever be interchangeable?
While distinct, in very informal, ambiguous contexts where the referent is clear to both speakers (e.g., pointing to something while asking “What is it?”), they might be understood. However, for clarity and grammatical precision, it’s best to observe their specific usages.
Question 2: Does “this” always refer to something physical?
No, “this” can also refer to a current situation, idea, or topic that has just been introduced or is immediately present in the conversation. For example, “I’ve heard a new rumor. What is this I’m hearing?”
Question 3: Which phrase is more formal?
Neither phrase is inherently more formal than the other. Their formality depends entirely on the surrounding vocabulary, sentence structure, and the overall context of the communication. Both are standard English questions.
Conclusion
Understanding the subtle but important distinction between “what is this” and “what is it” enhances the precision and clarity of your communication. Remember to use “what is this” when referring to something specific, present, or immediately observable, leveraging the demonstrative nature of “this.” Opt for “what is it” when your inquiry is about something abstract, previously mentioned, or not directly at hand, utilizing the general reference of “it.” Mastering these nuances ensures your questions are always perfectly tailored to your intent.
