The best alternative to what depends on how you use it in a sentence. In questions, which may work when choosing between options. In formal writing, that which can sometimes replace what, while whatever expresses any thing or thing that meets a condition. Because what serves several grammatical purposes, not every alternative fits every sentence.
Quick Answer: Synonyms for What
Common alternatives to what include which, whatever, whichever, that which, the thing that, the things that, anything that, something that, and whatever it is that. Use which when asking someone to identify an option, whatever for an unrestricted choice, and the thing that when referring to something already described or understood.
1. Common Alternatives to What
These expressions can replace what in certain contexts, but their meanings and grammatical roles differ.
Which: Asks someone to identify one or more options.
Example: What book do you want? → Which book do you want?Whatever: Refers to anything that fits a situation or condition.
Example: Take what you need. → Take whatever you need.Whichever: Refers to any option selected from a known or limited group.
Example: Choose what you prefer. → Choose whichever you prefer.That which: A formal expression meaning “the thing that.”
Example: Protect what matters most. → Protect that which matters most.The thing that: Refers to a particular thing or idea.
Example: I understand what you mean. → I understand the thing that you mean.
Note: The original is usually more natural.The things that: Refers to multiple things.
Example: Remember what I taught you. → Remember the things that I taught you.Anything that: Refers to any thing meeting a condition.
Example: Use what works. → Use anything that works.Something that: Refers to an unspecified thing.
Example: Tell me what surprised you. → Tell me something that surprised you.
Note: This changes the meaning from asking for identification to suggesting an example.Whatever it is that: Adds emphasis when referring to an unknown thing or reason.
Example: Find what is causing the problem. → Find whatever it is that is causing the problem.The reason that: Can replace what only when the intended meaning is a reason.
Example: I know what caused the delay. → I know the reason that caused the delay.
2. Alternatives to What in Questions
When asking a question, the best alternative depends on the information you want.
| Alternative | Best use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Which | Choosing from options | Which color do you prefer? |
| Who | Asking about a person | Who called you? |
| Whom | Referring to a person as an object, mainly in formal English | Whom did you invite? |
| Whose | Asking about ownership | Whose bag is this? |
| Where | Asking about a place | Where did you go? |
| When | Asking about time | When will it start? |
| Why | Asking for a reason | Why did it happen? |
| How | Asking about a method or condition | How did you solve it? |
| Whatever | Asking about or referring to any possible thing in some constructions | Whatever do you mean? |
| Which one | Identifying one item from a group | Which one is yours? |
Important: These are related question words, not direct synonyms for what. Choose the word that asks for the correct type of information.
3. Alternatives to What in Formal Writing
In formal writing, replacing what can sometimes make a sentence more precise. However, keeping what is often the clearest choice.
That which: A formal alternative to “the thing that.”
Example: We should preserve what is valuable. → We should preserve that which is valuable.The matter that: Refers to a subject or issue.
Example: We discussed what concerned the team. → We discussed the matter that concerned the team.The information that: Refers specifically to information.
Example: I reviewed what you sent. → I reviewed the information that you sent.The point that: Refers to a particular idea or argument.
Example: I understand what you are saying. → I understand the point that you are making.The issue that: Refers to a problem or topic.
Example: We need to address what caused the disagreement. → We need to address the issue that caused the disagreement.The result that: Refers to an outcome.
Example: They examined what the experiment produced. → They examined the result that the experiment produced.The subject that: Refers to a topic under discussion.
Example: We explored what interested the students. → We explored the subject that interested the students.
These expressions are context-specific. They may clarify the meaning, but they should not be substituted automatically.
4. Alternatives to What in Everyday Conversation
In casual conversation, what is often the most natural word. These expressions can work when the context supports them.
Whatever: “Take what you want” → “Take whatever you want.”
Which one: “What do you want?” → “Which one do you want?” when options are known.
What kind of: “What do you like?” → “What kind of music do you like?” when asking about a category.
What sort of: “What do you need?” → “What sort of help do you need?”
Anything: “Is there what I can do?” is incorrect; say “Is there anything I can do?”
Something: “I need what to eat” is unnatural; say “I need something to eat.”
Whatever it takes: “Do what is necessary” → “Do whatever it takes,” when emphasizing determination.
Anything you like: “Choose what you want” → “Choose anything you like,” when there are no meaningful restrictions.
5. Expressions Related to What
The following phrases may replace what in specific sentences, but they have distinct meanings.
The thing that: Refers to an object, fact, or idea.
The things that: Refers to multiple objects, facts, or ideas.
Anything that: Refers to any item or action meeting a condition.
Something that: Refers to an unspecified item or idea.
Whatever happens: Refers to any possible event or outcome.
Whichever option: Refers to any option from a defined group.
The information about: Refers to details concerning a subject.
The reason why: Refers to the cause of an event.
The way that: Refers to a method or manner.
The situation in which: Refers to the circumstances surrounding an event.
6. What vs. Similar Words: What’s the Difference?
| Word or phrase | Main purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| What | Asks for or identifies a thing or information | What happened? |
| Which | Identifies an option from a group | Which route is faster? |
| Whatever | Refers to anything that fits | Do whatever you need to do. |
| Whichever | Refers to any choice within a group | Pick whichever seat is available. |
| That which | Formal phrase meaning “the thing that” | Respect that which is important. |
| Something | Refers to an unspecified thing | I heard something outside. |
| Anything | Refers to any thing, often in questions or negatives | Is there anything else? |
| Who | Asks about a person as the subject | Who arrived first? |
| Why | Asks for a reason | Why did you leave? |
| How | Asks about a method, condition, or manner | How did you do it? |
7. Sentence Transformations Using Alternatives to What
These examples show how a sentence can be rewritten when the meaning allows it.
Original: Take what you need.
Alternative: Take whatever you need.Original: What option do you prefer?
Alternative: Which option do you prefer?Original: I remember what she said.
Alternative: I remember the things she said.
Note: The alternative emphasizes multiple statements.Original: Protect what matters.
Alternative: Protect that which matters.
Note: The alternative sounds more formal.Original: Tell me what happened.
Alternative: Tell me what took place.Original: I know what caused the problem.
Alternative: I know the reason for the problem.Original: Choose what you like.
Alternative: Choose whichever you like.Original: Explain what you mean.
Alternative: Explain the point you are making.Original: I need what can help me.
Alternative: I need something that can help me.Original: Do what is necessary.
Alternative: Do whatever is necessary.
8. Common Mistakes When Replacing What
Using which when there are no defined options: Which often suggests a choice among known possibilities, while what is more open-ended.
Treating whatever and whichever as identical: Whatever is generally broader; whichever usually refers to a choice from a group.
Using that which in casual conversation: It is grammatically valid but often sounds overly formal.
Replacing what with something in every sentence: Something changes an open question into a statement about an unspecified thing.
Confusing question words: Who, where, when, why, and how ask for different kinds of information.
Using whom in ordinary questions unnecessarily: In everyday American English, who is common even where traditional formal grammar might prefer whom.
Using the reason that when referring to an object: This phrase is suitable only when the intended meaning concerns a cause or reason.
Adding unnecessary words: “I understand what you mean” is usually clearer than “I understand the thing that you mean.”
Changing the original meaning: A replacement should preserve whether the sentence asks a question, identifies an object, or refers to an idea.
Assuming every alternative is a synonym: Many expressions are context-dependent substitutes rather than direct synonyms.
9. How to Choose the Best Alternative to What
Use this quick guide:
For choosing from options: Which, which one, whichever.
For referring to any possible thing: Whatever, anything that.
For an unspecified thing: Something, something that.
For formal writing: That which, the matter that, the information that.
For asking about a person: Who or whom, depending on sentence structure and formality.
For asking about a reason: Why, or the reason that.
For asking about a method: How, or the way that.
For asking about a place: Where.
For asking about time: When.
For everyday writing: Keep what when it is already the clearest and most natural option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most common synonym for what?
There is no single synonym that works in every sentence. Which, whatever, whichever, and the thing that can replace what in certain contexts.
2. What is a formal alternative to what?
That which is a formal alternative when what means “the thing that.” Depending on the sentence, the matter that, the information that, or the point that may also be appropriate.
3. Is which a synonym for what?
Sometimes. Which usually asks someone to select from a group of options, while what can ask about a thing or information more generally.
4. What is the difference between whatever and whichever?
Whatever generally refers to anything that meets a condition, while whichever usually refers to any choice from a defined group.
5. What can I use instead of what in an essay?
You can use which, the information that, the point that, or that which when they preserve your meaning. However, what is perfectly acceptable in academic writing when it expresses the idea clearly.
6. What is another way to say “what happened”?
Depending on the context, you can say what took place, what occurred, or the events that happened.
7. Should I avoid using what in formal writing?
No. What is a standard English word used in formal and informal writing. Replace it only when another expression improves clarity or precision.
Key Takeaways
What has several grammatical uses, so its alternatives depend on the sentence.
Which is useful when choosing from known options.
Whatever and whichever express different kinds of choices.
Formal alternatives include that which, the matter that, and the information that.
Keeping what is often the clearest and most natural choice.
Conclusion
Finding a suitable alternative to what requires understanding how the word functions in a sentence. When asking someone to choose from a group, which may be more precise. When referring to any possible thing, whatever can fit naturally, while whichever is useful for choices within a defined set. In formal writing, expressions such as that which, the information that, and the point that may provide greater specificity. However, these alternatives are not interchangeable in every context. Some change the meaning, while others make a sentence unnecessarily complicated. The goal is not to remove what from your writing but to choose the expression that communicates your intended meaning most clearly. Whether you are writing an essay, asking a question, or improving everyday communication, accuracy and natural phrasing matter more than using a synonym simply for variety.