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 in a sentence? Buckle up, grammar enthusiasts, because we’re diving deep into the world of "what’s."
Shorthand Superstar
First things first, "what’s" is a contraction. It’s a shortcut for "what is" or "what has," depending on the context. This little trick of language makes our speech smoother and more natural. Imagine how clunky things would sound if we spelled out "what is" every single time!
Double Duty Doer
"What’s" can be a question word or part of a question phrase. Let’s see it in action:
- Question Word: "What’s that delicious smell?" Here, "what’s" is the entire question word, asking about the identity of the scent.
- Part of a Question Phrase: "What’s been going on here?" In this case, "what’s" modifies the verb "been" to form the question phrase "what’s been."
Beyond Efficiency
"What’s" isn’t just about saving syllables. It can also add a touch of informality and friendliness to our conversations. For example, saying "What’s up?" is a casual way to greet someone, while "What’s new?" shows interest in their recent experiences.
A Note on Formality
While "what’s" is perfectly acceptable in everyday speech, it might not be suitable for formal writing. In those cases, sticking to the full forms "what is" or "what has" is the safer option.
So, what’s the takeaway?
"What’s" is a versatile contraction that serves us well in both spoken and informal written communication. It keeps things concise and adds a touch of casual charm. Just remember to be mindful of the context and formality level when using it.
