In English texts and verbal communication, the word what also have various functions. It can be used as a adjective, an adverb, a pronoun, or an interjection.
This word is commonly classified as an adjective if it is used to introduce a noun or a noun phrase. In the sample sentence below:
What time is it?
The word “what” introduces the noun “time,” and is therefore considere d as a adjective.
Definition:
a. asking for information specifying something
In some cases, the word “what” is considered as an adverb if it modifies a verb. For instance, in the sample sentence below:
What does he care?
The word “what” functions as an adverb because it modifies the verb “care.”
Definition:
a. in what way
The word “what” is also normally categorized as a pronoun if it is used for asking questions about something or if it is used to substitute a noun. For example, in the sentence below:
What we need is commitment.
This “what” word is classified under pronouns because it replaces a thing or a noun.
Definition:
a. asking for information specifying something
b. used to describe a question
c. the thing or things that (used in specifying something)
Other times, this word is classified under interjections because it can be used to express sudden emotions. Take for example, the sentence:
What a suggestion!
In this sample sentence, the word “what” is used to exclaim and express a burst of emotion regarding the noun “suggestion.”
Definition:
a. emphasizing something surprising or remarkable
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