Cool MateWhat is he doing vs What's he been doing
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What is he doing
Top 2,000 (common)
What's he been doing
Top 2,000 (common)
| What is he doing | What's he been doing | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //wɒt ɪz hi ˈduːɪŋ//🇺🇸 //wɑt ɪz hi ˈduɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 //wɒts hiː bɪn ˈduːɪŋ//🇺🇸 //wɑts hi bɪn ˈduɪŋ// |
| Meaning | A question asking about someone's action. | Asking about someone's recent activities or actions. |
| Example | What is he doing with that strange gadget? | What's he been doing lately at the office? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | ask what he is doing, wonder what he is doing, learn what he is doing | What's he been up to, What's he been working on, What's he been saying |
| Common mistakes | Forget to use 'is' instead of 'are' for singular subjects., Omit 'he' when asking about a third person., Use incorrect tense when describing ongoing actions. | Using it in a formal setting., Confusing the tense; ensure it refers to recent activities., Not including 'he' when asking about someone. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to ask about someone's current activity. It's suitable for informal conversations but can also be used in formal contexts, especially when clarity is needed. | Use this phrase in casual conversations to inquire about someone's recent actions. It may come off as informal in very formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: What is he doing vs What's he been doing
What's the difference between What is he doing and What's he been doing?
What is he doing: A question asking about someone's action. What's he been doing: Asking about someone's recent activities or actions.
Can you show an example of each?
What is he doing: What is he doing with that strange gadget? What's he been doing: What's he been doing lately at the office?
Can I use What is he doing and What's he been doing interchangeably?
Not always. What is he doing and What's he been 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.