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what this is for vs what this is

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'What this is for' is used when asking about the purpose or function of something. 'What this is' is used when asking for an explanation or identification of something.
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Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: November 02, 2024 • 13157 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when asking about the purpose or function of something.

"what this is for"

This phrase is used to inquire about the intended use or reason for something. It is often used when trying to understand the function or utility of an object or action.

Examples:

  • Can you explain what this tool is for?
  • I'm not sure what this button is for.
  • Could you clarify what this meeting is for?
  • Do you know what this key is for?
  • I wonder what this switch is for.
  • Oct 5, 2024 ... Anyone know what this is for in mirogana? Question. I've been seeing ... r ...
  • Oct 16, 2021 ... Do you know what is this for? Or Do you know what this is for? Could you tell me which sentence is correct? See a translation.
  • Oct 31, 2023 ... Does anyone know what this is for? r/ecoboostmustang - Does anyone know what this is for? 14 upvotes · 8 comments. r/plushies icon. r/plushies ...
  • Feb 1, 2019 ... AWSTRACK.ME client Firewall blocking , need to be clear what this is for and what other IP/Domains there are. Andrew Garcia ...
  • May 19, 2022 ... Can anyone tell me what this is for? Help. r/DarkSouls2 - Can anyone tell me what this ...
  • Oct 3, 2024 ... 533 likes, 29 comments - paintstobrushes on October 3, 2024: "Now I know what this is for 🖌️ Neptune 4750 Aquarelle 3/4” by ...
  • Apr 13, 2024 ... I show a Balance Transfer too of a large amount. What this is for me and probably for you too is if you have automatic deposits to your Bank ...
  • Nov 5, 2024 ... 44 likes, 1 comments - laurenezersky on November 5, 2024: "Not sure what this is for, but just been finding all these great old photos".
  • Does anyone know what this is for? Thread starter Jkyle01; Start date Jul 1, 2024 · Jul 1, 2024. #1 · Jkyle01. Member. Jun 8, 2020.
  • May 31, 2017 ... can you tell me what this is for. Thread starter SPYDAREGENIUS; Start date May 31, 2017. Status: Not open for further replies because of ...

Alternatives:

  • What is the purpose of this?
  • What is the function of this?
  • What is the use of this?
  • What does this serve for?
  • What is the reason for this?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when asking for an explanation or identification of something.

"what this is"

This phrase is used to ask for clarification or information about the nature or identity of something. It is often used when seeking an explanation or description.

Examples:

  • Can you tell me what this is?
  • I'm not sure what this is supposed to be.
  • Could you explain what this is used for?
  • Do you know what this is called?
  • I wonder what this is made of.
  • 2 days ago ... Can you tell what this is? Book and Show Spoilers. I'm working on a ... r ...
  • Jun 9, 2014 ... "What this is?" is not a question in English, at least not without more words. Only "What is this?" is correct of the two you gave.
  • 16 hours ago ... ... is a good one. Any ideas? r/Guitar - Anyone know what this is? Upvote 435. Downvote 172 Go to comments
  • Jun 10, 2007 ... Can you tell me what this is? :tick: This sentence reflects an indirect question, and is the most common way to say this idea (and the best way ...
  • 2 days ago ... r/sto - Does anyone know what this is in sector space? I completed the Chapel system patrol and then saw this monstrosity of a thing..
  • Jun 14, 2022 ... Can anyone tell me what this is in the html editor? Whenever I go into the html editor it adds this block of code (I am not adding) ...
  • Jul 24, 2024 ... I don't know what I clicked or what this is how do I turn it off. Help. I'm in trying to clear a dungeon and i don't know what I clicked but ...
  • 4 days ago ... Do you know what this is? 90% of cashiers in the shops don't. And that worries me. When I was little, my parents grew lots of vegetables and ...
  • Oct 3, 2019 ... “Explain what this is” constitutes an indirect question, but it is worded as a command, an imperative: (You) explain.
  • Aug 5, 2023 ... Someone tell me what this is · Ask the community · Guy_Meyer1 August 5, 2023, 3:38am 1. Hey all. I'm pretty familiar with the Figma UI. Just now ...

Alternatives:

  • What is this?
  • What is this called?
  • What is this used for?
  • What is this made of?
  • What is this supposed to be?

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