WHAT TO Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "what to" is commonly used in informal English as a combination of the interrogative pronoun "what" and the infinitive form of the verb "to" (e.g., "to do," "to say," "to eat"). It functions as a part of a question or inquiry about a course of action, typically seeking suggestions, advice, or options.
"What to" implies a state of uncertainty or indecision, where the speaker is seeking guidance or seeking to determine the appropriate action to be taken. It prompts others to provide recommendations, solutions, or instructions about what should be done or considered in a particular situation.
For example, someone may ask, "What to wear to the party?" or "What to cook for dinner?" These questions seek suggestions or advice about suitable attire for the event or ideas for a meal. In such cases, "what to" introduces the main verb, indicating the specific action or decision that needs to be made.
In essence, "what to" is an abbreviated phrase that signifies the need to identify the best course of action or the preferred choice among available alternatives. It often demonstrates a desire for guidance or opinions from others, making it a useful tool in decision-making or problem-solving situations.
Common Misspellings for WHAT TO
- qhat to
- ahat to
- shat to
- ehat to
- 3hat to
- 2hat to
- wgat to
- wbat to
- wnat to
- wjat to
- wuat to
- wyat to
- whzt to
- whst to
- whwt to
- whqt to
- whar to
- whaf to
- whag to
- whay to
Etymology of WHAT TO
The phrase "what to" does not have a unique etymology, as it is essentially a combination of the interrogative pronoun "what" and the preposition "to".
The word "what" has Old English roots and can be traced back to the Germanic language family. In Old English, it was spelled as "hwæt" and had similar meanings of "what, which, who". Its lineage can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic word "*hwa-t-", which connects it to related words in other Germanic languages.
The preposition "to" also has Old English origins and can be dated back to the Proto-Germanic word "*tō". It has a wide range of uses, indicating direction, goal, purpose, extent, relationship, and more.
When combined, "what to" is used to form a question or to express uncertainty about a particular course of action.
Idioms with the word WHAT TO
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not know what to make of
To be confused or unsure about something; to be unable to understand or interpret a situation or someone's behavior.
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not know what to do with yourself
To not know how to occupy or entertain oneself, usually due to being overwhelmed, excited, restless, or confused.
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not know what to do with (oneself)
The idiom "not know what to do with oneself" means to feel unsure, restless, or bored due to a lack of direction or purpose. It can also refer to feeling lost or uncertain about how to occupy one's time or energy.
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tell what to do with
To inform or advise someone regarding a particular course of action or decision that should be made about something.
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