At the C1 level, the pronoun "what" is utilized with precision to elicit specific information, often in complex or abstract contexts. It moves beyond simple factual recall, serving to inquire about the nature, identity, or characteristics of something previously mentioned or implied.
For instance, in a discussion about a philosophical concept, one might ask, "What are the implications of this theory?" to delve into its consequences and broader meaning. It can also be employed in more sophisticated rhetorical questions to express surprise, disbelief, or to prompt deeper reflection, such as "What then, does this all signify for our understanding?"
Furthermore, "what" can introduce subordinate clauses, functioning as a relative pronoun to refer to something unspecified or to the entirety of a preceding statement, as in "I didn't quite grasp what you were explaining earlier." Mastering its nuanced application is crucial for advanced discourse, enabling the speaker to navigate intricate information exchanges and articulate complex queries.
Its versatility allows for probing into abstract ideas, conceptual frameworks, and detailed explanations, reflecting a high level of linguistic competence. Therefore, understanding the multifaceted roles of "what" is essential for achieving C1 proficiency in English.
§ Understanding "What" as a Pronoun
The word "what" is a versatile and common pronoun in English, particularly useful for asking questions and introducing clauses. At its core, "what" is used to ask for information specifying something. It refers to things, ideas, or actions, but not people (for people, we typically use "who" or "whom"). Understanding its various grammatical roles and how it interacts with prepositions is key to mastering its use.
§ "What" as an Interrogative Pronoun (Asking Questions)
This is perhaps the most common use of "what." It acts as the subject or object of a question, seeking specific information about something.
- Subject of a question
- When "what" is the subject, it directly performs the action of the verb.
What happened?
What made that noise?
- Object of a question
- When "what" is the object, it receives the action of the verb.
What do you want?
What did you see?
§ "What" in Indirect Questions and Noun Clauses
"What" can also introduce noun clauses, which function as subjects or objects within a larger sentence. These are often called indirect questions.
- As a subject of a clause
- The entire clause starting with "what" acts as the subject of the main verb.
What you said surprised me.
- As an object of a clause
- The entire clause starting with "what" acts as the object of the main verb or a preposition.
I don't know what he wants.
Tell me what you did.
§ "What" with Prepositions
When "what" is used with prepositions, the preposition can appear in two main positions:
- **At the end of the sentence (more common in informal English):** This is very common in everyday conversation.
- **Before "what" (more formal and common in written English):** This structure is grammatically correct but can sometimes sound a bit stiff in casual speech.
- Preposition at the end
- The preposition comes after the verb or object.
What are you looking for?
What are you talking about?
- Preposition before "what"
- The preposition comes directly before "what."
For what reason did you do that?
About what are you concerned?
§ Common Phrases and Expressions with "What"
"What" is also part of many common phrases and expressions, adding nuance to its meaning:
- **What if...?**: Used to ask about a hypothetical situation or possibility.
- **What about...?**: Used to introduce a new topic, ask for an opinion, or suggest something.
- **What's up?**: An informal greeting, asking "How are you?" or "What's new?"
- **What for?**: Asking for the reason or purpose of something.
What if it rains tomorrow?
What about going to the park?
Hey, what's up?
He bought a new phone. What for?
By understanding these different grammatical uses and common phrases, you can effectively integrate "what" into your English vocabulary and use it confidently in various contexts.
难度评级
Common, high-frequency word.
Common, high-frequency word.
Common, high-frequency word.
Common, high-frequency word.
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按水平分级的例句
What truly differentiates a good leader from a great one is their ability to inspire and empower their team.
What truly differentiates...
Interrogative pronoun 'what' used as the subject of the sentence, introducing a noun clause.
Given the complexities of the global economy, what measures do you believe are most effective in fostering sustainable growth?
What measures do you believe are most effective...
Interrogative pronoun 'what' followed by a noun, functioning as a determiner in an interrogative sentence.
It's not about what you say, but how you say it that often leaves the most lasting impression.
It's not about what you say...
Interrogative pronoun 'what' used as the object of a preposition, introducing a noun clause.
Despite numerous setbacks, what has kept them going is their unwavering belief in their vision.
What has kept them going is...
Interrogative pronoun 'what' used as the subject of the sentence, introducing a noun clause that acts as the subject complement.
Considering the rapid advancements in technology, what impact do you foresee on traditional industries over the next decade?
What impact do you foresee...
Interrogative pronoun 'what' followed by a noun, functioning as a determiner in an interrogative sentence.
What they ultimately decided upon, after much deliberation, was a radical overhaul of their entire business model.
What they ultimately decided upon...
Interrogative pronoun 'what' used as the object of a preposition (implied 'on' or 'about'), introducing a noun clause that acts as the subject of the sentence.
In light of the new regulations, what adjustments will be necessary for businesses to remain compliant?
What adjustments will be necessary...
Interrogative pronoun 'what' followed by a noun, functioning as a determiner in an interrogative sentence.
What one often overlooks in the pursuit of success is the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
What one often overlooks...
Interrogative pronoun 'what' used as the subject of the sentence, introducing a noun clause.
自我测试 30 个问题
Write two questions using 'what' to ask about someone's daily routine.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
1. What do you usually do in the morning? 2. What is your favorite thing to do after work?
Imagine you are meeting a new friend. Write three questions using 'what' to get to know them better.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
1. What are your hobbies? 2. What kind of music do you like? 3. What is your job?
You are at a restaurant. Write two questions using 'what' to ask about the food or drinks.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
1. What would you like to eat? 2. What kind of drinks do you have?
What does Anna like to do on weekends?
Read this passage:
Hi! My name is Anna. I love to read books. My favorite genre is fantasy. I also like to watch movies, especially comedies. On weekends, I often go for a walk in the park with my dog. What does Anna like to do on weekends?
What does Anna like to do on weekends?
The passage says, 'On weekends, I often go for a walk in the park with my dog.'
The passage says, 'On weekends, I often go for a walk in the park with my dog.'
What is Tom's favorite subject?
Read this passage:
Tom is a student. He studies English and history. His favorite subject is English because he wants to travel and speak with people from different countries. After classes, he usually plays football with his friends. What is Tom's favorite subject?
What is Tom's favorite subject?
The passage states, 'His favorite subject is English.'
The passage states, 'His favorite subject is English.'
What does Maria do in the morning?
Read this passage:
My name is Maria and I work in a small cafe. I love my job because I meet many interesting people every day. In the morning, I make coffee and serve breakfast. In the afternoon, I clean the tables and prepare for the next day. What does Maria do in the morning?
What does Maria do in the morning?
The passage says, 'In the morning, I make coffee and serve breakfast.'
The passage says, 'In the morning, I make coffee and serve breakfast.'
Choose the best question word: _______ is your favorite color?
We use 'what' to ask for specific information about something, in this case, a color.
Complete the sentence: Do you know _______ time the movie starts?
'What time' is a common phrase used to inquire about the specific hour.
Which sentence correctly uses 'what' as a pronoun?
In this sentence, 'what' is functioning as an interrogative pronoun, asking for information about the object of the verb 'eat'.
The sentence 'What is your name?' uses 'what' to ask for specific information.
'What' is used here to inquire about the specific name of the person.
In the sentence 'I can't believe what I'm seeing!', 'what' refers to a question.
Here, 'what' is a relative pronoun, referring to the thing that the speaker is seeing, not asking a question.
The phrase 'What if we go to the park?' is asking for a suggestion or an alternative.
'What if' is a common expression used to introduce a hypothetical situation or a suggestion.
Imagine you're planning a surprise party for a friend. Write a short email to another friend asking for their help. Make sure to include what kind of help you need and what ideas you have so far.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hi [Friend's Name], I'm planning a surprise party for [Other Friend's Name] and I'd love your help! What do you think about organizing the decorations? I'm thinking of a 'tropical' theme. What other ideas do you have for food and music? Let me know what you think and what your availability is. Best, [Your Name]
You are writing a review for a new restaurant you visited. Describe your experience, focusing on what you liked and what you didn't like about the food, service, and atmosphere.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I recently visited 'The Corner Bistro' and overall, I had a good experience. What I really liked was the friendly service and the cozy atmosphere. The food was good, especially the pasta, but what I didn't enjoy as much was the dessert – it was a bit too sweet for my taste. What could they improve? Maybe add more variety to the menu. What are your thoughts on new restaurants in town?
You're applying for a volunteer position at a local charity. Write a short paragraph explaining what motivates you to volunteer and what skills you think you can offer.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I am very interested in the volunteer position at your local charity. What motivates me to volunteer is the opportunity to make a positive impact in my community. What skills do I think I can offer? I am a good communicator, organized, and I'm eager to learn new things. I believe I can be a valuable asset to your team. What kind of tasks would I be helping with?
What does Maria enjoy most about traveling?
Read this passage:
Maria loves to travel and explore new cultures. She always researches her destinations thoroughly before she goes. What she enjoys most is trying local cuisine and learning a few phrases in the local language. Last year, she went to Japan and was fascinated by the traditional tea ceremony. What she found challenging was navigating the busy Tokyo subway system.
What does Maria enjoy most about traveling?
The passage states, 'What she enjoys most is trying local cuisine and learning a few phrases in the local language.'
The passage states, 'What she enjoys most is trying local cuisine and learning a few phrases in the local language.'
What is something the community center is still working on?
Read this passage:
The new community center opened last week, offering a variety of classes and activities. What caught everyone's attention was the modern architecture and spacious common areas. What they are still working on is hiring more instructors for the evening fitness classes. What the organizers hope is that the center will become a hub for local residents of all ages.
What is something the community center is still working on?
The passage states, 'What they are still working on is hiring more instructors for the evening fitness classes.'
The passage states, 'What they are still working on is hiring more instructors for the evening fitness classes.'
What are Tom's parents hoping he will study?
Read this passage:
Tom is trying to decide what to study at university. He's good at math and science, but he also enjoys creative writing. What his parents want him to do is study engineering, but what he's really passionate about is film production. He's struggling to choose a path that will make him happy and also secure a good future. What he needs is some good advice.
What are Tom's parents hoping he will study?
The passage states, 'What his parents want him to do is study engineering.'
The passage states, 'What his parents want him to do is study engineering.'
Imagine you are writing a persuasive essay arguing for the importance of a particular social issue. In your introduction, formulate a rhetorical question using 'what' that effectively captures the essence of the problem you will discuss.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, what truly defines progress if it leaves behind a significant portion of society struggling with basic necessities?
You are drafting a formal complaint about a service you received. In one sentence, clearly state what the specific issue was that led to your dissatisfaction, ensuring precise and objective language.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The primary cause of my dissatisfaction was what appeared to be a complete disregard for the agreed-upon delivery schedule, resulting in significant operational disruptions.
You are summarizing a complex scientific article for a general audience. Write a sentence that uses 'what' to introduce the main discovery or finding of the article in an accessible way.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
At the heart of their groundbreaking research lies what could fundamentally change our understanding of cellular regeneration.
According to the passage, what was the defining aspect of Socrates' philosophical contribution?
Read this passage:
The ancient philosopher, Socrates, was renowned for his method of inquiry, often referred to as the Socratic method. This approach involved asking a series of probing questions to challenge assumptions and expose contradictions in his interlocutor's beliefs. He rarely offered direct answers, instead guiding others to discover truths for themselves. What ultimately defined his philosophical contribution was not a fixed doctrine, but rather the revolutionary process of critical self-examination he championed.
According to the passage, what was the defining aspect of Socrates' philosophical contribution?
The passage states, 'What ultimately defined his philosophical contribution was not a fixed doctrine, but rather the revolutionary process of critical self-examination he championed.'
The passage states, 'What ultimately defined his philosophical contribution was not a fixed doctrine, but rather the revolutionary process of critical self-examination he championed.'
Based on the text, what was the initial public perception of abstract art?
Read this passage:
In the realm of modern art, abstraction has played a pivotal role in redefining artistic expression. Artists moved away from representational forms, seeking to convey emotions and ideas through color, line, and shape. This shift often perplexed audiences accustomed to more traditional styles. What was initially seen as controversial and even meaningless by many gradually gained acceptance and critical acclaim, opening new avenues for artistic exploration.
Based on the text, what was the initial public perception of abstract art?
The passage explicitly states, 'What was initially seen as controversial and even meaningless by many gradually gained acceptance and critical acclaim.'
The passage explicitly states, 'What was initially seen as controversial and even meaningless by many gradually gained acceptance and critical acclaim.'
According to the passage, what is identified as the critical hurdle in addressing climate change?
Read this passage:
Climate change presents an unprecedented global challenge, demanding urgent and coordinated action. Scientific consensus overwhelmingly points to human activities as the primary driver of rising global temperatures and extreme weather events. While the economic implications of transitioning to a green economy are substantial, the long-term costs of inaction far outweigh them. What remains a critical hurdle is not a lack of scientific understanding, but rather the political will to implement effective policies on a global scale.
According to the passage, what is identified as the critical hurdle in addressing climate change?
The passage states, 'What remains a critical hurdle is not a lack of scientific understanding, but rather the political will to implement effective policies on a global scale.'
The passage states, 'What remains a critical hurdle is not a lack of scientific understanding, but rather the political will to implement effective policies on a global scale.'
This sentence inquires about the potential implications of a ruling, emphasizing the establishment of a future precedent.
This sentence seeks to understand the cause or reason behind an inconsistency in numerical data.
This sentence asks to identify an unforeseen or accidental outcome resulting from a specific choice or judgment.
/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
例句
What do you want to eat?
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相关表达
更多general词汇
a lot of
A2表示数量很多。这是一个在日常生活中表达“多”的常用短语。
about
A1‘about’可以表示‘关于’某个话题，也可以表示‘大约’或‘左右’。
above
A2表示比其他事物更高的位置，就在上面。
accident
A2发生的不幸事件，可能造成损害或伤害。
action
A2为了达到目的而采取的行动过程。
after
A2‘after’的意思是‘在……之后’，表示在时间上或空间上晚于某事。
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2‘again’的意思是‘再一次’，表示某事再次发生或被重复。
aged
B1用来描述人或事物处于特定的年龄。
alive
A2指有生命的状态，不是死亡的。
