The Correct Usage of 'What' as a Pronoun in American English

Understanding the correct usage of pronouns in American English can significantly improve the clarity and correctness of your writing. One common query is whether it is grammatically correct to use 'what' as a pronoun, particularly in cases like 'It’s all that they do.' This article aims to clarify the use of 'what' and 'that' in American English, focusing on relative pronoun usage and antecedents.

What is a Pronoun?

A pronoun is a word used instead of a noun, such as 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or 'they.' The pronoun 'what' is indeed a relative pronoun, often used in noun nominal relative clauses, such as:

This is what she knows.

In this example, 'what' introduces a noun clause and is used to refer back to an idea, such as knowledge.

Usage of 'What' as a Relative Pronoun

'What' can be used as a relative pronoun in the absence of an antecedent, which is often seen in colloquial speech or informal writing. However, in formal or grammatically correct writing, it is typically replaced by 'that.' This can be seen in the following examples:

It’s all that they do.

This is all that I know.

Here, 'all' is the antecedent, and 'that' is used to introduce the relative clause. Omitting 'that' is acceptable in casual speech or when emphasis is desired.

Grammatical Correctness and Antecedents

When 'what' is used without an antecedent, it creates a sentence that does not have a clear referent and is thus grammatically incorrect. For instance:

It’s what they do.

This is not grammatically correct because 'what' needs an antecedent to refer to. The correct form would be:

It’s all that they do.

This sentence specifies that the entirety of their activity relates to 'it.'

Examples and Usage Scenarios

Let's look at some more examples to further illustrate the correct usage:

Show me what they do. (Correct: 'Show me all that they do.')

I will tell you what I know. (Correct: 'I will tell you all that I know.')

In both cases, 'all' is used to clarify the extent of the action or knowledge being discussed.

Common Misconceptions

There are a few common misconceptions regarding the use of 'what.' One such misconception is the idea that 'what' can be used interchangeably with 'that' or 'all' in certain constructions. For instance:

It’s all what they do.

While this construction is not incorrect, it is often considered awkward or less formal. The preferred structure would be:

It’s all that they do.

This emphasizes the complete and exclusive nature of their activity.

Conclusion

In summary, the correct usage of 'what' as a pronoun in American English involves the use of 'all' and 'that' to ensure grammatical correctness. Misusing 'what' without an antecedent can lead to unclear or incorrect sentences. Understanding the proper usage of relative pronouns is crucial for clear and effective communication in American English.