A clause beginning with what can refer to a thing or things without naming them first.
The idea
What combines the meaning of the thing or things and a relative link. The whole clause can be a subject or an object; inside it, what can also be a subject or an object.
Examples
- What you said surprised me.
- Mina found what she needed in the cupboard.
- What matters most is a safe journey.
- We shared what we grew in the garden.
- Please write down what the guide recommends.
- What fell from the shelf was an empty box.
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Watch out
Do not put what after a noun already naming the thing: say the book that I borrowed, not the book what I borrowed.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct option. I understand ___ you mean. (what / that)
Show answer or example answer
what
what means the thing you mean; it is the object of mean.
Choose the correct option. The book ___ I borrowed is on the desk. (what / that)
Show answer or example answer
that
that links the clause to the noun book, which is already present.
Choose the correct option. ___ makes this soup special is the fresh ginger. (What / That)
Show answer or example answer
What
What is the subject of makes; the whole clause is the subject of is.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct option. I understand ___ you mean. (what / that)
Choose the correct option. The book ___ I borrowed is on the desk. (what / that)
Choose the correct option. ___ makes this soup special is the fresh ginger. (What / That)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe something you need and something that makes you happy, using a what clause for each.