A few days ago
samurai

Can “what are” be abbreviated to “what’s”?

Can “what are” be abbreviated to “what’s”?

Top 6 Answers
A few days ago
Anonymous

Favorite Answer

No.

“what’s” is only “what is”.

You can only abbreviate “what are” to “what’re”, e.g. “What’re the chances of winning the lottery?”

.

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A few days ago
Anonymous
No; an apostrophe means that letters are omitted. “What are” might conceivably be abbreviated to “what’re” but it would be quite awkward, in my opinion. Neither one would be used in any sort of formal writing.
1

A few days ago
Anonymous
In a paper for school or work – NO!!!

In everyday life, sure if you don’t mind saying stuff like, “Hey what’s you doing to tonight?” and “What’s those kids doing on my car?”

Not my thing, I think it sounds stupid, but I hear it all the time.

What is = What’s

What are = What’re

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A few days ago
Anonymous
Yes, you can.

You can shorten the singular form. Is; for example:

“What’s that?” -(What is that?)-

Also the plural form: Are; for example:

“What’re you going to do? -(What are you going to do?)-

Usually -with only few exceptions- you shorten the plural form when its followed by: You, They, We.

Now, if you are talking in singular you cannot shorten it into plural or vice versa. You must keep it either singular or plural.

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A few days ago
T7
No, “what are” can be abbreviated to “what’re”. “what’s” is the abbreviation of “what is”.
2

A few days ago
Anonymous
no
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