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what is that? vs what is that thing?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'What is that?' is a more general question that can be used to inquire about any object or thing. On the other hand, 'What is that thing?' is more specific and emphasizes the word 'thing,' suggesting a desire for more information about a particular object.

Last updated: March 22, 2024

what is that?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to inquire about an object or thing.

This phrase is a general question used to ask about an object or thing that is not specified. It is a common way to seek information or clarification.

Examples:

What is that over there?
What is that noise?
What is that smell?
What is that in your hand?
What is that on the table?

Show examples from the web [+]

- And what is that? I wish I knew.
Hagrid, exactly what is that?
Out of curiosity, what is that?
Who are you, and what is that?
So if I ask you to access a memory, like, what is that?
I... I have a new-client meeting at 2:00, and I... I abso... what is that?
Wait a minute, Cartwright, what is that?
I heard "Pogo" - what is that?
The world gone mad, what is that?
Well, at least have the common decency to wash it down with a fresh flute of - what is that?
Wait, wait... what is that?
Excuse me, Prime Minister, do you mind my asking, what is that?
I mean, sorry, what is that?
The stuff in the bowl, what is that?
That's a really cool mask, what is that?
Y - what - what is that?
Wait, wait, what is that?
What is that? a student that Mr. Rosso believes in.
How pathetic, what is that?
Three inches, what is that?

Alternatives:

What is that object?
What is that thing?
What is that item?
What is that stuff?
What is that creature?

what is that thing?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to inquire about a specific object or thing, emphasizing the word 'thing.'

This phrase is more specific than 'What is that?' and is used when the speaker wants to know more details about a particular object or thing.

Examples:

What is that thing on the shelf?
What is that thing in the corner?
What is that thing you're holding?
What is that thing making that noise?
What is that thing you're looking at?

Show examples from the web [+]

Professor, what is that thing?
-What is that thing? -Why are you asking me?
We're blowing something up, but what is that thing?
What is that thing on Dingaan?
What is that thing down there?
What is that thing out there?
What is that thing the broom?
What is that thing down there?
What is that thing, anyway?
And what is that thing on her neck?
What is that thing on your face?
What is that thing around her neck?
So what the heck is that thing?
What is it about that thing?
What is that thing, a robot?
What is that thing that draws them?
What is the benefit of that thing?
I say, what on earth is that thing?
What is she doing in that thing?
What time is that thing on Sunday?

Alternatives:

What is that object?
What is that item?
What is that stuff?
What is that creature?
What is that entity?

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