Cool MateWhat are we vs What are we doing
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What are we
Top 2,000 (common)
What are we doing
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most common: What are we doing
| What are we | What are we doing | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //wɒt ɑː wɪ//🇺🇸 //wɑt ɑr wi// | 🇬🇧 //wɒt ɑː wɪ ˈduːɪŋ//🇺🇸 //wɑt ɑr wi ˈduɪŋ// |
| Meaning | A question asking about the nature of a relationship or situation. | A question asking about current activities. |
| Example | During a quiet moment, she asked, 'What are we?' | What are we doing this weekend? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | What are we doing, What are we to each other, What are we waiting for | ask what are we doing, discuss what are we doing, wonder what are we doing |
| Common mistakes | Using incorrect verb forms, e.g., 'What is we?', Confusion over the context, thinking it's only for romantic relationships., Incorrectly placing emphasis, making it sound accusatory. | Omitting 'are' and saying 'What we doing?', Using with a period instead of a question mark., Confusing with 'What are we to do?' which implies obligation. |
| Usage notes | Used to initiate a serious discussion about relationship status or feelings. Often informal among friends or romantic partners. | Use in informal situations to inquire about planned or ongoing activities. Less suitable for formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: What are we vs What are we doing
What's the difference between What are we and What are we doing?
What are we: A question asking about the nature of a relationship or situation. What are we doing: A question asking about current activities.
Which is more common: What are we and What are we doing?
What are we doing is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
What are we: During a quiet moment, she asked, 'What are we?' What are we doing: What are we doing this weekend?
Can I use What are we and What are we doing interchangeably?
Not always. What are we and What are we doing are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.