what is the part of speech of what

2 min read 15-04-2025

The seemingly simple word "what" is surprisingly versatile. Its part of speech depends entirely on its function within a sentence. Understanding this flexibility is key to mastering English grammar. This article will delve into the various roles "what" can play, exploring its different grammatical classifications. Let's dive in!

"What" as an Interrogative Pronoun

This is perhaps the most common usage of "what." As an interrogative pronoun, "what" initiates a question and takes the place of a noun. It asks which thing or which things.

Example: "What did you see at the zoo?" (Here, "what" replaces the noun representing the thing seen.)
Example: "What are your plans for the weekend?" (Here, "what" replaces the noun phrase describing the plans.)

Notice how "what" doesn't modify another word; it stands alone as the subject or object of the question. This is a key characteristic of a pronoun.

"What" as an Interrogative Adjective

When "what" modifies a noun, it functions as an interrogative adjective. It asks which or of what kind.

Example: "What color is your car?" (Here, "what" modifies the noun "color.")
Example: "What type of music do you prefer?" (Here, "what" modifies the noun "type.")

The crucial difference here is that "what" isn't replacing a noun; it's describing one.

"What" as an Exclamation

Believe it or not, "what" can also function as an exclamation, expressing surprise or disbelief. In this case, it doesn't fit neatly into a traditional part-of-speech category.

Example: "What a beautiful day!" (Here, "what" emphasizes the adjective "beautiful.")
Example: "What, you're leaving already?" (Here, it expresses surprise.)

The context clearly indicates its emotional role, not a grammatical one in the traditional sense.

"What" as a Relative Pronoun

Less common but still important, "what" can act as a relative pronoun. In this instance, it introduces a relative clause and refers back to a noun or pronoun. It functions similarly to "that" or "which" but encompasses both the antecedent (the noun being referred to) and the object of the preposition.

Example: "I don't understand what he's talking about." (Here, "what" refers to the unspecified thing he's talking about. The clause "what he's talking about" functions as the object of the verb "understand.")

This use is often found in more formal writing.

"What" in Compound Relative Pronouns

"What" can also be used to form compound relative pronouns, such as "whatever," "whatsoever," and "whichever." These combine the functions of a relative pronoun and an adverb or adjective.

Example: "Do whatever you want." ("Whatever" combines the function of a relative pronoun and an adverb.)
Example: "Choose whichever dress you like best." ("Whichever" functions as both a relative pronoun and an adjective.)

These add another layer of complexity to the already versatile word "what."

In Conclusion: The Chameleon Word

"What" is a truly versatile word, showcasing the nuances and complexities of the English language. Its part of speech isn't fixed; it adapts to its role within the sentence. By understanding the contexts in which "what" appears, you can better understand its varied functions and master the art of grammatical analysis. Remember to consider the sentence's structure and the word's function to determine its correct grammatical classification.