When should we use “What Is” or “What was” to ask questions?

**blissful** · 25-Jan-2012, 19:56

Hi

When should we use “What Is” or “What was” to ask questions?

"What is the funniest thing that's ever happened to you?"
"What was the funniest thing that's ever happened to you?"

Under what conditions/situations do we use what is/what was to ask questions?

**Tdol** · 26-Jan-2012, 04:27

You can use either there and there's no real difference in meaning IMO.

**Rover_KE** · 26-Jan-2012, 08:37

I agree with Tdol.

We'd usually say 'What's the funniest thing. . .?'

It doesn't matter whether what's means what is or what was.

Rover

**blissful** · 26-Jan-2012, 10:05

Hi

Thank you for the replies.

So it’s more appropriate to say "What is the funniest thing that's ever happened to you?"

**5jj** · 26-Jan-2012, 10:18

Originally Posted by blissful

So it’s more appropriate to say "What is the funniest thing that's ever happened to you?"

No. Tdol and Rover have both tld you that you can use either.

**Tdol** · 26-Jan-2012, 10:46

Originally Posted by blissful

Hi

Thank you for the replies.

So it’s more appropriate to say "What is the funniest thing that's ever happened to you?"

It's not more appropriate- just less work.

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