The unassuming contraction "what’s" pops up in our daily conversations all the time. But have you ever stopped to think about what it really means, and how it functions grammatically? Buckle up, language enthusiasts, because we’re diving deep into the world of "what’s."
What’s the Shortcut For?
"What’s" is a contraction, which means it’s a shortened version of two words. In this case, it stands for "what is" or "what has." Here are some examples:
- Formal: What is that sound?
- Informal: What’s that sound?
- Formal: What has she been up to?
- Informal: What’s she been up to?
As you can see, "what’s" makes our speech more casual and efficient.
More Than Just Shorthand
"What’s" can also be used in a few other ways:
- Asking about events: "What’s on tonight?" is a common question to inquire about plans or activities.
- Expressing indifference: "What’s it to you?" is a dismissive way of saying someone else’s opinion doesn’t matter.
The All-Important Apostrophe
The apostrophe in "what’s" plays a crucial role. It indicates where the missing letters ("is" or "has") have been omitted. It’s important not to confuse "what’s" with "whats" (without the apostrophe), which is grammatically incorrect.
So, next time you use "what’s," you can appreciate its versatility and its subtle role in our language. Whether you’re shortening a formal sentence or asking about the weekend plans, "what’s" is a handy little word that keeps our communication flowing.
