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what it is you do vs what it is that you do

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'What it is you do' is more informal and conversational, while 'what it is that you do' is more formal and structured. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 698 views

what it is you do

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts.

This phrase is used in informal settings to ask someone about their occupation or activities. It is a casual way of inquiring about what someone does.

Examples:

Can you tell me what it is you do for a living?
I'm curious about what it is you do in your free time.

Show examples from the web [+]

Let's explain to folks who may not be familiar with your work... what it is you do here exactly.
I still have no idea what it is you do, but...
I'm afraid I don't really understand what it is you do.
I don't even know what it is you do for a living.
Look, you still haven't told me what it is you do.
I guess I don't fully understand what it is you do.
I don't know what it is you do, but you seem important enough to get that done.
The time has come for her to find out what it is you do for the CIA. No.
You haven't told me what it is you do now.
On what it is you don't want me to know.
I don't really know what it is you do.
So like, I don't know exactly what it is you do.
Gabe, I always wondered what it is you do around here.
I guess you'd better tell me what it is you do want.
Maybe I should get caught up on what it is you do.
Your orders: do what it is you do to make sure it never sees the light of day.
There's no legal weight whatsoever, and it makes me wonder what it is you don't want her to tell us.
I don't think the Californians who support you should know too much about exactly what it is you do. Kevin.
I'm afraid I don't really understand what it is you do.
It's just a few notes about what it is you do, who you are, how you fit in here.

Alternatives:

what do you do
what is your job
what are your responsibilities

what it is that you do

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal contexts.

This phrase is used in more formal situations to inquire about someone's occupation or activities. It adds a level of structure and formality to the question.

Examples:

Can you explain what it is that you do at the company?
I would like to know what it is that you do in your role.

Show examples from the web [+]

Monsieur Leclair, tell me what it is that you do.
This family mission statement is a great way to identify what it is that you do right.
You know, Lawrence, I've never understood what it is that you do, pretending to be other people.
Dee, we don't know what it is that you do around here.
You do not even know what it is that you do know.
So can you explain to our audience members over the age of 5 what it is that you do?
Josh, what-what is it that you do?
- So, Tom, what is it that you do?
But he wants to know what it is that you want him to do.
Just tell me what it is that you want me to do here.
What is it that you can do?
Eve, what exactly is it that you do here?
What is it that you do for the hotel exactly?
So what is it exactly that you do here, Johann?
Seriously, what is it that you do?
What exactly is it that you do here again?
But what is it that you do here?
So, what is it that you actually do?
What is it that you do, Oliver?
But what is it that you do anyways?

Alternatives:

what do you do
what is your job
what are your responsibilities

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