informal 2K

What's this all about

🇬🇧 UK //wɒts ðɪs ɔːl əˈbaʊt// 🇺🇸 US //wʌts ðɪs ɔl əˈbaʊt//

Meaning of What's this all about

A phrase asking for clarification about a situation or topic.

In simple words: What is the main meaning or reason behind this?

What's this all about in a sentence

• When he said he was moving, I had to ask, 'What's this all about?'
• After receiving the strange email, I wondered, 'What's this all about?'
• She seemed upset, so I asked her, 'What's this all about?'
• During the meeting, I raised my hand and asked, 'What's this all about?'
• Hearing the argument next door, I thought, 'What's this all about?'

How to use What's this all about

Used in casual conversation to ask for clarification or explanation about a situation. Not suitable for formal settings.

Grammar pattern

standalone question

Memory hint

Imagine someone scratching their head in confusion, asking about a puzzling situation.

Related words

Collocations with What's this all about

• ask what's this all about
• wonder what's this all about
• explain what's this all about
• know what's this all about

Synonyms for What's this all about

• What is this about?
• What does this mean?
• What’s going on?
• Can you explain this?

Common mistakes with What's this all about

• Used excessively in formal contexts.
• Omitted the context when asking, making it unclear.
• Misused in serious discussions where a more direct approach is needed.

Frequently asked questions about What's this all about

What does What's this all about mean?

What is the main meaning or reason behind this?

What is the definition of What's this all about?

A phrase asking for clarification about a situation or topic.

How do you use What's this all about in a sentence?

When he said he was moving, I had to ask, 'What's this all about?'

Can you give another example of What's this all about?

After receiving the strange email, I wondered, 'What's this all about?'

What are synonyms for What's this all about?

Common alternatives include What is this about?, What does this mean?, What’s going on?, Can you explain this?.

What words go with What's this all about?

It commonly pairs with ask what's this all about, wonder what's this all about, explain what's this all about, know what's this all about.

What are common mistakes when using What's this all about?

Used excessively in formal contexts. Omitted the context when asking, making it unclear. Misused in serious discussions where a more direct approach is needed.

How do you pronounce What's this all about?

US: //wʌts ðɪs ɔl əˈbaʊt//, UK: //wɒts ðɪs ɔːl əˈbaʊt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is What's this all about formal or informal?

"What's this all about" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use What's this all about?

Used in casual conversation to ask for clarification or explanation about a situation. Not suitable for formal settings.