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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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What's up

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "What's up?" is correct and can be used in written English
It is often used as a casual salutation similar to "How are you?" or "Hello!", and can be used both informally and in some more formal contexts. For example: In an email to a colleague: "Hey, Jack! What's up?" In a chat message to a friend: "What's up? Want to grab coffee later?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

WHAT'S up, Times readers?

News & Media

The New York Times

What's up Walker's sleeve next?

News & Media

Forbes

What's up?

News & Media

The New York Times

"What's up?" he said.

News & Media

The New Yorker

So what's up?

News & Media

The Economist

Dear Kanye: What's up?

News & Media

The New Yorker

"What's up?" Uncanny timing.

News & Media

The New York Times

"So that's what's up".

News & Media

The New Yorker

"What's up?" we breathed.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"Guy: What's up, dawg?

News & Media

The New Yorker

"What's up?" I ask.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "what's up" primarily in informal settings with people you know well. It's generally not appropriate for formal or professional communication.

⚠ Common error

Avoid starting business emails or addressing superiors with "what's up". Opt for more professional greetings like "Hello" or "Good morning/afternoon".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what's up" primarily functions as an informal greeting or a casual inquiry about someone's current state or activities. Ludwig shows it's often used in place of 'Hello' or 'How are you?'.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

30%

Wiki

12%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what's up" is a very common and informal greeting or inquiry, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and functions primarily to initiate casual conversations or show interest in someone's current activities. While prevalent in News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources, it is generally unsuitable for formal or professional settings. Remember to use it appropriately in context and be mindful of your audience to maintain effective communication.

FAQs

How can I respond to "what's up"?

Common responses include "Not much", "Nothing", or describing what you're currently doing. You can also reciprocate the greeting by asking "what's up" back.

Is "what's up" appropriate in professional emails?

Generally, no. It's best to use more formal greetings like "Hello" or "Good morning/afternoon" in professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to "what's up"?

Alternatives include "How's it going?", "What's new?", or "How are you doing?", depending on the context and your relationship with the person.

When is it okay to use "what's up"?

It's suitable in casual conversations with friends, family, or close colleagues. Avoid using it in formal settings, job interviews, or when addressing someone in a position of authority.

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Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: