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Jooney Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

What

Hi,

What he gave me for my birthday was really beautiful.

I'd like to know if "what" can be used in either of the following contexts.

Let's say you are having a conversation with a friend.

<context 1>

A: My boyfriend gave me a necklace for my birthday the other night.
B: Really?

A: What he gave me was really beautiful.

<context 2>

A;: My boyfriend gave me a present for my birthday the other night.
B: Really?

A: What he gave me was really beautiful.
  

Top answer

Context 2 would be more proper to use 'what' since it does not specify exactly what was given as the present. " would be better since you specified that a necklace was given as the present. But, grammar is correct in both contexts.

— English Live Teacher

  • Context 2 would be more proper to use 'what' since it does not specify exactly what was given as the present.
  • " would be better since you specified that a necklace was given as the present.
  • But, grammar is correct in both contexts.
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3 Answers
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Context 2 would be more proper to use 'what' since it does not specify exactly what was given as the present.

For context 1, it would be more proper to say "The necklace he gave me..." would be better since you specified that a necklace was given as the present.

But, grammar is correct in both contexts.
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I agree with the previous reply.

Grammar in both contexts: Fine.
Appropriateness of the response: Better in context 2.

CJ
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Could you help me change the context so that I can use "what he gave me was a necklace."?
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