Is What an Adverb, & What Part of Speech is the Word What?
Is “what” an adverb, or does it function in other grammatical roles? In this article, we’ll explore how “what” is used, its various roles in sentences, and whether it functions as an adverb.
The word “what” appears often in English, but its role isn’t always clear. At times, it introduces questions; in other cases, it adds emphasis. Sometimes, it even seems to act like an adverb. However, before determining whether “what” is truly an adverb, it helps to understand how adverbs work and how “what” functions in grammar.
Understanding Adverbs
To clarify whether “what” is an adverb, let’s first define an adverb. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They tell you more about how, when, where, or to what extent something happens. For example:
- He quickly ran to the store.
- They are very happy.
Here, “quickly” modifies the verb “ran,” while “very” modifies the adjective “happy.” Adverbs provide additional information about actions or qualities.
The Role of “What”
The word “what” can function in several grammatical roles, depending on how it is used in a sentence. Let’s break down the key functions.
1. “What” as a Pronoun
The most common use of “what” is as an interrogative pronoun. It’s used to ask questions and stands in place of the subject or object in the sentence. Here are some examples:
- What is your name?
- What do you want to eat?
In these sentences, “what” is used to ask for information about a person or thing. In the first example, “what” replaces the subject, and in the second, it replaces the object of the verb “want.” This use of “what” is part of the wider group of wh- questions in English, which include words like who, when, where, why, and how.
“What” in Indirect Questions
“What” can also introduce indirect questions:
- I don’t know what he wants.
- She asked me what I was doing.
In these examples, “what” functions as a pronoun, helping to express uncertainty or convey a question.
2. “What” as an Adjective
Sometimes, “what” serves as an interrogative adjective. When it does, it modifies a noun, asking for specific information about the noun itself. For instance:
- What book are you reading?
- What time is the meeting?
In these cases, “what” describes the noun “book” or “time,” which makes it an adjective. It’s asking for more details about a particular thing or person.
3. “What” as an Adverb
Now, can “what” ever act as an adverb? Yes, in certain cases, “what” can be considered an adverb. It happens when it modifies a verb or provides additional information about the extent or degree of something. Look at these examples:
- What did you say?
- What does she want?
In these sentences, “what” serves as an interrogative adverb, questioning the content of the action. It doesn’t modify the verb directly, but it influences the question about the action, which aligns with some definitions of adverbial use.
“What” can also be used as an adverb in the following cases:
To Introduce a Prepositional Phrase:
- “What” can be used to introduce a prepositional phrase, particularly in expressions that involve multiple objects or parallel construction.
- Example: “What with the holidays and the weather, we decided to postpone the trip.”
Expressing Cause:
- “What” can indicate a reason or cause, akin to saying “considering” or “in light of.”
- Example: “What with the delays and complications, we missed the deadline.”
Emphasizing a Situation:
- In some cases, it can emphasize the significance of a situation or condition.
- Example: “What with everything going on, it’s hard to stay focused.”
In these examples, “what” acts as an adverb by introducing phrases that provide context or reasons, enhancing the meaning of the sentence.
4. “What” as a Determiner
“What” can also function as a determiner. Determiners appear before nouns and give more information about the noun. For example:
- What kind of coffee do you like?
- What color is your car?
Here, “what” is used to identify or specify the type of coffee or color. It helps clarify the noun, which is why it’s classified as a determiner.
5. “What” in Exclamatory Sentences
Another use of “what” occurs in exclamatory sentences. In these cases, it introduces an exclamation and expresses strong emotion:
- What a beautiful day!
- What a surprise!
In these examples, “what” adds emphasis to the noun it precedes. It enhances the intensity of the emotion in the sentence.
Is “What” Always an Adverb?
Although “what” can sometimes act as an adverb, it is not always classified as one. In most cases, it serves as a pronoun, adjective, or determiner. The key lies in its specific role within a sentence.
When “what” is used in questions, it often feels like an adverb because it helps frame a query about an action or state. However, its primary function in those cases is to replace or modify a noun, which makes it more commonly a pronoun or adjective. For example:
- What are you doing? (Pronoun)
- What time is the concert? (Adjective)
In these examples, “what” isn’t modifying a verb in the way typical adverbs do, like quickly or slowly. Instead, it’s acting as a pronoun or adjective, depending on whether it replaces a noun or modifies it.
Here’s a clearer breakdown:
- Pronoun: “What” can replace a noun or pronoun in a sentence.
- What is your name? (replacing the noun)
- Adjective: “What” can modify a noun, asking for specific information.
- What color do you prefer? (modifying the noun “color”)
- Determiner: “What” can specify a noun in terms of type or amount.
- What kind of music do you like? (specifying the noun “music”)
- Interrogative: It’s commonly used to form questions.
- What time is it? (asking for specific information)
How to Identify “What” in Sentences
Identifying whether “what” is an adverb or another part of speech depends on analyzing its role in the sentence. Here are some questions you can ask:
- Is “what” modifying a noun? If yes, then it’s likely an adjective.
- Is “what” replacing a noun? If yes, it’s probably a pronoun.
- Is “what” providing more information about a verb, adjective, or other adverb? If yes, it could be functioning as an adverb.
Let’s break down with a few more examples:
- What are you reading? (Pronoun: Replacing the object of the verb “reading”)
- What book are you reading? (Adjective: Modifying the noun “book”)
- What a wonderful day! (Exclamation: Introducing an exclamation for emphasis)
- What did you say? (Adverb: Providing information about the action of “saying”)
By considering how “what” is used, you can determine whether it’s functioning as an adverb, pronoun, adjective, or something else.
Other Uses of “What” in English
The word “what” is incredibly versatile. Its role can change depending on whether it introduces a question, modifies a noun, or expresses emotion. To better understand its various uses, let’s look at some different sentence structures.
“What” in Yes/No Questions
Sometimes, “what” isn’t necessary for forming a yes/no question, but it can help clarify or specify the question.
- Did you say what he wanted? (Yes/No Question)
- Can you tell me what she asked? (Yes/No Question)
In these examples, “what” isn’t forming the yes/no question but is adding extra information to help clarify the query.
“What” in Complex Sentences
“What” can also be used in more complex sentences, especially when combining multiple clauses.
- I don’t know what he wants for dinner.
- They asked me what time the party starts.
In these examples, “what” introduces a subordinate clause that provides more information about the main clause.
Conclusion
So, is “what” an adverb? The answer is that it can be, but it’s more often used as a pronoun, adjective, or determiner. When “what” acts as an adverb, it typically modifies the action in a question, helping to clarify what is being asked.
You can identify whether “what” is an adverb by looking at its function in the sentence. If it’s helping to describe or modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb, then it’s likely functioning as an adverb. However, in most cases, “what” serves other grammatical roles as a pronoun or adjective.
Next time you come across “what” in a sentence, ask yourself how it’s functioning, and you’ll be one step closer to mastering its usage.
Its versatility makes it an important word to understand, especially when analyzing questions or complex sentences. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon have a solid grasp of how “what” works in English!
