How to say “what's going on” like a native speaker
Ask what is happening, especially when something is confusing or unexpected. It can also introduce a description of current events.
All phrases · Common idioms
Hear “what's going on” in real speech
Clip 1 · Brené Brown
The Power of Vulnerability | Brené Brown | TED · 12:21
About this video
Brené Brown talks about vulnerability and human connection. She begins with an event planner's difficulty describing her as both a researcher and a storyteller, then discusses the uncertainty involved in relationships.
In context
And I said, "I'm great. I'm okay."She said, "What's going on?"
And this is a therapist who sees therapists, because we have to go to those, because their B.S. meters are good.
Clip 2 · Bill Gates
Bill Gates: Teachers need real feedback · 5:33
About this video
Bill Gates argues that teachers need useful feedback, just as athletes need coaching. He discusses classroom videos and student surveys as ways for teachers to identify areas to improve.
In context
Sarah Brown Wessling: Good morning everybody.Let's talk about what's going on today.
To get started, we're doing a peer review day, okay?
Clip 3 · Malcolm Gladwell
The unheard story of David and Goliath | Malcolm Gladwell · 11:59
About this video
Malcolm Gladwell re-examines the story of David and Goliath. He describes its setting and discusses the power and accuracy of a sling to question the usual picture of an unequal contest.
In context
Why does Goliath not react to that?It's as if he's oblivious to what's going on that day.
And then there's that strange comment he makes to David:
When to use “what's going on”
- Investigating a noise: “What's going on outside?”
- Asking for an update after arriving late: “What's going on? Has the meeting started?”
Common learner mistake
Keep “on” at the end; “What's going?” does not ask what is happening.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “what's going on”
“Going” can link into “on” with no pause. Casual speakers may use an N ending in “going”; the careful form keeps NG.
Related phrases
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