what's the matter
/wɒts ðə ˈmætər/
Meaning
This question is used to ask someone what is wrong, especially when they look sad, upset, sick, or worried. It is a warm, empathetic way to check on someone's well-being, though it can also be used in frustration when something isn't working.
Examples
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You look really worried; what's the matter?
You look really worried; what's the matter?
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What's the matter with your computer? It keeps restarting.
What's the matter with your computer? It keeps restarting.
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She looked like she was about to cry, so I asked her, 'What's the matter?'
She looked like she was about to cry, so I asked her, 'What's the matter?'
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What's the matter? You haven't touched your food at all.
What's the matter? You haven't touched your food at all.
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I can hear a strange noise coming from the engine. What's the matter with it?
I can hear a strange noise coming from the engine. What's the matter with it?
Common Mistakes
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✗ What is matter with you today?
✓ What's the matter with you today?
You must include the definite article 'the' before 'matter'.
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✗ What's a matter? Why are you crying?
✓ What's the matter? Why are you crying?
The expression uses 'the matter', not 'a matter', because it refers to the specific problem bothering the person.
Related Expressions
Practice
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You've been very quiet all evening. ___?
💡 Ask what is wrong or bothering them.
Show answer
What's the matter
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___ with the car? It won't start.
💡 Ask what the problem is with the broken object.
Show answer
What's the matter