Understanding how to ask about someone’s current activities is a fundamental part of English conversation. While “What are you doing?” is a perfectly valid question, relying solely on it can make your speech sound repetitive and limit your ability to engage in more nuanced conversations.
In everyday conversation, you can also phrase the question slightly differently to sound more natural or situational. For example, you might ask, “So, what are you doing?” to start a casual dialogue, or “What are you doing today?” when referring to plans within the same day. If you want to emphasize immediacy, “What are you doing right now?” conveys curiosity about the person’s current activity at this very moment.
This article explores a variety of alternative phrases and expressions that convey the same basic inquiry but add depth, context, and personality to your interactions. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, mastering these alternatives will enhance your fluency and make your English sound more natural.
This guide is helpful for English language learners, teachers, and anyone looking to improve their conversational skills.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Asking About Current Activities
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Questions
- Examples of Alternative Phrases
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition: Asking About Current Activities
Asking about someone’s current activities involves inquiring about what they are presently engaged in. This can range from simple, direct questions to more indirect and nuanced inquiries that take into account the context, relationship, and level of formality.
The primary function is to gather information about the other person’s actions or state at the moment of speaking. This type of question is typically classified as an interrogative sentence and relies heavily on the present continuous tense to describe ongoing actions.
The context in which you ask the question significantly influences the choice of words. In informal settings with friends or family, you might use casual expressions.
In contrast, formal situations, such as a professional meeting, require more polite and carefully chosen language. Furthermore, the specific activity you suspect someone might be doing can also shape your question.
For instance, if you see someone looking at a computer, you might ask, “What are you working on?” rather than a generic “What are you doing?”.
Structural Breakdown
Most questions about current activities follow a basic structure, which is particularly evident when using the present continuous tense. The general formula is:
(Question Word) + Auxiliary Verb (be) + Subject + Verb (present participle -ing) + (Optional complements/modifiers)?
Let’s break down each component:
- Question Word: This is optional but often included for clarification. Common question words include “What,” “Where,” “Why,” “How,” etc.
- Auxiliary Verb (be): This is a form of the verb “to be” (am, is, are) and must agree with the subject.
- Subject: This is the person or thing performing the action.
- Verb (present participle -ing): This is the main verb, modified with “-ing” to indicate an ongoing action.
- Optional complements/modifiers: These provide additional information, such as location, time, or manner.
For example, in the question “What are you doing?”, “What” is the question word, “are” is the auxiliary verb, “you” is the subject, and “doing” is the present participle.
Understanding this structure helps in forming grammatically correct questions and in recognizing variations of the same question. It also allows you to adapt the question to different contexts and subjects.
Types of Questions
Present Continuous Tense
The present continuous tense is the most common tense used when asking about current activities. It emphasizes that the action is happening right now, at the moment of speaking.
Questions using the present continuous typically follow the structure outlined above.
Examples:
- What are you eating?
- Are you working on a new project?
- Is she studying for her exam?
- What is he watching on TV?
The present continuous can also be used to inquire about plans for the near future, blurring the line between current activities and future intentions.
Informal Contractions
In informal conversations, contractions are frequently used to shorten and simplify questions. This makes the language sound more relaxed and natural.
Examples:
- What’re you doing? (What are you doing?)
- Whatcha doing? (Very informal contraction of “What are you doing?”)
- Are you gonna…? (Are you going to…?) – Although this refers to future plans, it’s often used in the context of current intentions.
While contractions are common in spoken English, they should be used sparingly in formal writing.
Idiomatic Expressions
English is full of idiomatic expressions, and some of them can be used to inquire about someone’s current activities in a more creative or indirect way.
Examples:
- What’s up? (A general greeting that can also imply “What are you doing?”)
- What’s going on? (Similar to “What’s up?” but often used when something seems unusual.)
- What are you up to? (Implies that the person might be doing something interesting or perhaps mischievous.)
Understanding and using idiomatic expressions can significantly improve your fluency and make your English sound more natural and engaging.
Examples of Alternative Phrases
Here are several alternative phrases to “What are you doing?”, categorized by context and nuance.
General Inquiry
These phrases are suitable for most situations and simply ask about the other person’s activities.
The following table presents examples of general inquiries, including variations in formality and context. Each example is designed to provide a slightly different nuance, allowing for more precise communication.
| Phrase | Context/Nuance | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| What are you up to? | Casual, friendly | “Hey, John, what are you up to this afternoon?” |
| What’s going on? | General, can imply something unusual | “I heard some noise; what’s going on?” |
| What’s happening? | Similar to “What’s going on?” | “I haven’t seen you all day, what’s happening?” |
| What’s new? | Looking for updates or interesting news | “We haven’t talked in a while, what’s new?” |
| How’s your day going? | Shows interest in their overall experience | “Hi, Sarah, how’s your day going so far?” |
| What have you been doing? | Inquiring about recent activities | “It’s good to see you! What have you been doing lately?” |
| What occupies you these days? | Slightly formal, curious | “I’m curious, what occupies you these days?” |
| Tell me what you’re working on. | Direct, interested in their projects | “You seem busy, tell me what you’re working on.” |
| What’s cooking? | Informal, often used figuratively | “Hey team, what’s cooking for tomorrow’s presentation?” |
| What are you getting into? | Informal, often implies potential trouble | “I saw you sneaking around, what are you getting into?” |
| What’s the plan? | Inquiring about immediate or near-future intentions | “Alright, we’re all here, what’s the plan?” |
| What’s the buzz? | Asking about current gossip or news | “Have you heard anything? What’s the buzz?” |
| What are you fiddling with? | Informal, used when someone is tinkering with something | “I see you’ve got your tools out, what are you fiddling with?” |
| What are you tinkering with? | Similar to “fiddling,” but can also be used for software or electronics | “You’ve been at your computer for hours, what are you tinkering with?” |
| What’s the game plan? | Inquiring about a strategy or course of action | “We need to win this, what’s the game plan?” |
| What’s on your agenda? | More formal, inquiring about someone’s schedule or priorities | “So, what’s on your agenda for today’s meeting?” |
| How are things coming along? | Asking about the progress of a task or project | “You’ve been working on that report for a while, how are things coming along?” |
| What are you engrossed in? | Implies deep focus or interest | “You seem really focused, what are you engrossed in?” |
| What are you losing yourself in? | Similar to “engrossed in,” but with a more poetic tone | “You’re so quiet, what are you losing yourself in?” |
| What’s keeping you busy? | Implies they are occupied with something important | “I haven’t seen you much lately, what’s keeping you busy?” |
| What’s taking up your time? | Similar to “keeping you busy,” but more direct | “You always seem to be in a rush, what’s taking up your time?” |
| How are you spending your time? | A general inquiry about their activities | “Since you’re retired, how are you spending your time?” |
| What are you dedicating your time to? | Implies a significant commitment | “I know you’ve been volunteering a lot, what are you dedicating your time to?” |
| What are you throwing yourself into? | Implies enthusiastic involvement | “You seem really passionate about this project, what are you throwing yourself into?” |
| What are you buried under? | Implies being overwhelmed with work or tasks | “You look stressed, what are you buried under?” |
Specific Context
These phrases are used when you have some idea of what the person might be doing or when you want to narrow down the scope of the question.
The following table presents examples of questions tailored for specific contexts. These questions are designed to be more precise and relevant based on the situation, enhancing the conversation’s focus and engagement.
| Phrase | Context/Nuance | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| What are you reading? | When the person is holding a book or looking at a screen with text | “That looks interesting, what are you reading?” |
| What are you watching? | When the person is looking at a screen | “Is that a new movie? What are you watching?” |
| What are you listening to? | When the person has headphones on or music is playing | “That sounds cool, what are you listening to?” |
| What are you working on? | When the person is at a desk or computer | “You seem focused, what are you working on?” |
| What are you cooking? | When the person is in the kitchen | “That smells delicious, what are you cooking?” |
| What are you drawing/painting? | When the person is creating art | “That’s beautiful, what are you drawing?” |
| What are you writing? | When the person is writing something | “Are you writing a letter? What are you writing?” |
| What are you searching for? | When someone is looking for something (physically or online) | “Can I help you find something? What are you searching for?” |
| What are you fixing? | When someone is repairing something | “Looks like you’re busy, what are you fixing?” |
| What are you building? | When someone is constructing or assembling something | “Wow, that’s impressive, what are you building?” |
| What are you planning? | When someone seems to be organizing or strategizing | “You’ve got that look in your eye, what are you planning?” |
| What are you designing? | When someone is creating a design or blueprint | “That looks intricate, what are you designing?” |
| What are you researching? | When someone is studying or investigating something | “You seem deep in thought, what are you researching?” |
| What are you practicing? | When someone is rehearsing or honing a skill | “Sounds good, what are you practicing?” |
| What are you testing? | When someone is evaluating or experimenting with something | “That looks complex, what are you testing?” |
| What are you experimenting with? | When someone is trying out new things | “Interesting setup, what are you experimenting with?” |
| What are you preparing for? | When someone is getting ready for an event | “You seem busy getting everything ready, what are you preparing for?” |
| What are you training for? | When someone is exercising or improving their skills | “You’ve been hitting the gym a lot, what are you training for?” |
| What are you struggling with? | When someone seems to be having difficulty | “You look frustrated, what are you struggling with?” |
| What are you struggling to do? | Similar to “struggling with,” but more specific | “Can I help you with that? What are you struggling to do?” |
| What are you trying to figure out? | When someone is trying to solve a problem | “You seem puzzled, what are you trying to figure out?” |
| What are you pondering? | When someone is thinking deeply about something | “You seem lost in thought, what are you pondering?” |
| What are you contemplating? | Similar to “pondering,” but more formal | “You’ve been quiet, what are you contemplating?” |
| What are you mulling over? | Similar to “pondering,” but implies considering options | “You seem to be weighing your choices, what are you mulling over?” |
| What are you obsessing over? | When someone is overly focused on something | “You seem preoccupied, what are you obsessing over?” |
Informal Situations
These phrases are best used with friends, family, or in casual settings.
The following table presents examples of informal questions, suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. These phrases often include slang or contractions for a more relaxed tone.
| Phrase | Context/Nuance | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Whatcha doin’? | Very informal contraction | “Hey, whatcha doin’ later?” |
| What’s up? | General greeting, can also mean “What are you doing?” | “What’s up, dude?” |
| What’s the haps? | Slang, “What’s happening?” | “What’s the haps tonight?” |
| What’s the deal? | Inquiring about a situation or plan | “So, what’s the deal with this party?” |
| What’s the story? | Asking for an update or explanation | “I heard you got a new job, what’s the story?” |
| What’s shakin’? | Slang, “What’s happening?” | “Hey man, what’s shakin’?” |
| What are you gettin’ up to? | Informal, implies potential mischief | “I saw you sneaking out, what are you gettin’ up to?” |
| What’s the good word? | Informal greeting, asking for news | “Hey, what’s the good word?” |
| What’s brewin’? | Informal, asking about plans or gossip | “So, what’s brewin’ for the weekend?” |
| What are you messin’ with? | Informal, when someone is tinkering with something | “What are you messin’ with in the garage?” |
| What’s cookin’, good lookin’? | Flirty and informal, often used jokingly | “Hey, what’s cookin’, good lookin’?” |
| What’s the sitch? | Slang, short for “situation,” asking for an update | “Alright, what’s the sitch with the project?” |
| What’s crackalackin’? | Very informal and playful slang | “Yo, what’s crackalackin’?” |
| What’s the scoop? | Asking for the latest news or gossip | “So, what’s the scoop on the new intern?” |
| What’s the lowdown? | Asking for the inside information | “Give me the lowdown on what happened last night.” |
| What’s the word on the street? | Asking about rumors or gossip | “So, what’s the word on the street about the merger?” |
| What’s the 411? | Slang, asking for information | “Alright, what’s the 411 on this situation?” |
| What are you diggin’? | Asking about what someone is interested in or enjoying | “I like your music, what are you diggin’ these days?” |
| What are you vibing to? | Similar to “digging,” but specifically about music or atmosphere | “You look relaxed, what are you vibing to?” |
| What’s your jam? | Asking about someone’s favorite thing or activity | “So, what’s your jam these days?” |
| What’s your poison? | Informal, asking what someone prefers to drink | “Alright, we’re at the bar, what’s your poison?” |
| What’s your flavor? | Similar to “poison,” but can be used for other preferences | “So, what’s your flavor for tonight’s movie?” |
| What’s your MO? | Short for “modus operandi,” asking about someone’s usual way of doing things | “You’re always so efficient, what’s your MO?” |
| What’s your angle? | Asking about someone’s perspective or intention | “Okay, what’s your angle on this deal?” |
| What’s your game? | Similar to “angle,” but can imply deception | “I don’t trust him, what’s his game?” |
In very casual speech, especially among friends, you might hear phrases like “You’re doing anything?” or the playful “Whats doing what?” While less formal, these expressions carry the same intent of checking in or sparking conversation and are common in relaxed social settings.
Formal Situations
These phrases are appropriate for professional settings, interactions with strangers, or when showing respect.
The following table presents examples of formal questions, suitable for professional settings or interactions where respect and politeness are paramount. These phrases avoid contractions and slang, maintaining a professional tone.
| Phrase | Context/Nuance | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| What are you currently working on? | Direct, professional | “Mr. Smith, what are you currently working on for the project?” |
| Could you please tell me what you’re doing? | Polite, formal | “Excuse me, could you please tell me what you’re doing with that equipment?” |
| May I ask what you are occupied with? | Very formal, slightly old-fashioned | “If I may ask, what are you occupied with at the moment?” |
| What tasks are you engaged in at present? | Formal, professional | “Ms. Johnson, what tasks are you engaged in at present?” |
| What project are you dedicating your time to? | Formal, showing interest in their work | “I’m curious, what project are you dedicating your time to these days?” |
| What matters require your attention? | Formal, implying importance | “Given your expertise, what matters require your attention currently?” |
| What is the focus of your efforts at this time? | Formal, polite, and professional | “Dr. Lee, what is the focus of your efforts at this time?” |
| What priorities are you addressing? | Formal, asking about current tasks | “In this busy period, what priorities are you addressing?” |
| What occupies your attention at the moment? | Formal, polite, and respectful | “Sir, what occupies your attention at the moment?” |
| What responsibilities are you currently managing? | Formal, showing respect for their role | “As a team leader, what responsibilities are you currently managing?” |
| What is the immediate concern you are addressing? | Formal, asking about urgent matters | “Given the circumstances, what is the immediate concern you are addressing?” |
| What duties are you presently fulfilling? | Formal, emphasizing their obligations | “As part of your role, what duties are you presently fulfilling?” |
| What challenges are you currently tackling? | Formal, showing empathy and interest | “In your position, what challenges are you currently tackling?” |
| What objectives are you currently pursuing? | Formal, asking about their goals | “For this quarter, what objectives are you currently pursuing?” |
| What initiatives are you currently spearheading? | Formal, acknowledging their leadership | “As the project lead, what initiatives are you currently spearheading?” |
| What is your current line of work? | Formal, asking about their profession | “If I may ask, what is your current line of work?” |
| What field of expertise are you currently applying? | Formal, showing respect for their skills | “Given your background, what field of expertise are you currently applying?” |
| What kind of activities are you involved in? | Formal, general inquiry | “In your free time, what kind of activities are you involved in?” |
| What sort of endeavors are you engaged in? | Formal, similar to “activities” but more sophisticated | “Outside of work, what sort of endeavors are you engaged in?” |
| What is commanding your focus at this time? | Formal, implying importance and urgency | “Given the current climate, what is commanding your focus at this time?” |
| What is taking precedence in your workflow? | Formal, asking about priorities in a professional setting | “To ensure efficiency, what is taking precedence in your workflow?” |
| What is occupying your schedule these days? | Formal, polite inquiry about their commitments | “Allow me to ask, what is occupying your schedule these days?” |
| What commitments are you currently upholding? | Formal, respectful inquiry about their responsibilities | “Out of professional curiosity, what commitments are you currently upholding?” |
| What is absorbing your attention span? | Formal, polite and somewhat inquisitive about their focus | “If you don’t mind my intrusion, what is absorbing your attention span?” |
| What is consuming your attention span? | Formal, slightly more intense than ‘absorbing’, still polite | “I hope I’m not disturbing, but what is consuming your attention span?” |
Expressing Surprise or Disbelief
These phrases are used when you are surprised by what someone is doing or when you find it hard to believe.
This following table presents examples of questions that express surprise or disbelief at someone’s actions. These phrases often convey a sense of astonishment or incredulity.
| Phrase | Context/Nuance | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Are you serious? | Expressing disbelief | “You’re quitting your job? Are you serious?” |
| You’re actually doing that? | Surprise, mild judgment | “You’re actually doing that at work?” |
| Is that what you’re really doing? | Questioning their true intentions | “Is that what you’re really doing, or are you hiding something?” |
| You can’t be serious! | Strong disbelief | “You can’t be serious about marrying him!” |
| Are you pulling my leg? | Questioning if they are joking | “You won the lottery? Are you pulling my leg?” |
| Is this some kind of joke? | Implies annoyance or frustration | “Is this some kind of joke? I’ve been waiting for hours!” |
| Am I seeing things? | Surprise at an unexpected sight | “Am I seeing things, or is that a unicorn in your backyard?” |
| Are my eyes deceiving me? | Similar to “Am I seeing things?” but more dramatic | “Are my eyes deceiving me, or is that really Brad Pitt?” |
| You’re not really going to…? | Expressing concern or disbelief | “You’re not really going to jump off that cliff, are you?” |
| You’ve got to be kidding me! | Strong disbelief and amusement | “You’ve got to be kidding me! You ate the whole cake?” |
| Are you out of your mind? | Expressing strong disapproval or concern | “Are you out of your mind? You can’t just quit like that!” |
| Do you have any idea what you’re doing? | Questioning their competence | “Do you have any idea what you’re doing with that chainsaw?” |
| Are you sure about this? | Expressing doubt or concern | “Are you sure about this? It seems risky.” |
| Is that really the best you can do? | Expressing disappointment | “Is that really the best you can do? I expected more.” |
| Are you sure you thought this through? | Questioning their planning or consideration | “Are you sure you thought this through? It seems like a bad idea.” |
| Are you seriously considering that? | Expressing disbelief and concern | “You’re seriously considering moving to Siberia? Are you seriously considering that?” |
| Did I hear you right? | Questioning what they said due to surprise | “Did I hear you right? You’re going to climb Mount Everest?” |
| Is this a prank? | Questioning if they are playing a joke | “Is this a prank? Because it’s not funny.” |
| Are you for real? | Questioning their sincerity or seriousness | “Are you for real? You’re going to buy a spaceship?” |
| I can’t believe you’re doing that! | Expressing strong disbelief and disapproval | “I can’t believe you’re doing that! It’s so irresponsible.” |
| Seriously? | Short and direct expression of disbelief | “Seriously? You’re wearing that to the wedding?” |
| Are you kidding me right now? | Expressing disbelief and frustration | “Are you kidding me right now? You lost my keys?” |
| You’ve got to be joking! | Similar to “You’ve got to be kidding me!” | “You’ve got to be joking! You crashed my car?” |
| Is this some kind of dream? | Expressing disbelief at a surreal situation | “Is this some kind of dream? I’m flying!” |
| What in the world are you doing? | Expressing strong surprise and disapproval | “What in the world are you doing? You’re setting the house on fire!” |
Usage Rules and Considerations
When choosing an alternative to “What are you doing?”, consider the following:
- Formality: Use formal phrases in professional settings and informal phrases with friends and family.
- Context: Tailor your question to the specific situation. If you see someone reading, ask “What are you reading?” rather than a general question.
- Relationship: Be mindful of your relationship with the person. Avoid overly familiar or flirty phrases with strangers or superiors.
- Tone: Pay attention to your tone of voice. The same phrase can convey different meanings depending on how you say it.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware that some phrases may be more common or acceptable in certain cultures or regions than others.
Grammatical Accuracy: Ensure that your questions are grammatically correct, especially when using the present continuous tense.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes that English learners make when asking about current activities:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| What you do? | What are you doing? | Missing auxiliary verb “are.” |
| What doing you? | What are you doing? | Incorrect word order. |
| Whatare you do? | What are you doing? | Missing “ing” at the end of the verb “do.” |
| You doing what? | What are you doing? | Incorrect word order. |
| What you are do? | What are you doing? | Missing “ing” at the end of the verb “do.” |
Using the wrong tense: Using simple present instead of present continuous.
Incorrect: What do you do now?
Correct: What are you doing now?
Misusing contractions: Using contractions in formal settings.
Incorrect: What’re you working on, Mr. President?
Correct: What are you currently working on, Mr. President?
Ignoring subject-verb agreement: Not matching the auxiliary verb with the subject.
Incorrect: What is you doing?
Correct: What are you doing?
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate phrase or question.
Exercise 1: You see your friend sitting at a desk with a laptop. Ask what they are working on.
Answer: What __________?
Solution: are you working on
Exercise 2: You call your sister, and she sounds busy. Ask her what’s happening.
Answer: Hey, sis, __________?
Solution: what’s happening
Exercise 3: You enter your colleague’s office and see them reviewing documents. Ask what they are currently working on in a formal manner.
Answer: Good morning, Sarah. What __________ today?
Solution: are you currently working on
Exercise 4: You’re at a party and see someone mixing drinks. Ask them what they’re making.
Answer: That looks interesting, __________?
Solution: what are you mixing
Exercise 5: You notice a friend looking intently at a book. Ask them what they are reading.
Answer: That book looks captivating. __________?
Solution: What are you reading
Exercise 6: You see your roommate with headphones on, tapping their foot to the music. Ask them what they are listening to.
Answer: That tune sounds catchy. __________?
Solution: What are you listening to
Exercise 7: You see a colleague looking puzzled at a spreadsheet. Ask if they need assistance.
Answer: You look a bit perplexed, __________?
Solution: what are you struggling with
Exercise 8: You walk into the kitchen and smell something delicious cooking. Ask what’s being prepared.
Answer: Mmm, something smells amazing, __________?
Solution: what are you cooking
Exercise 9: You notice a friend sketching in a notebook. Show interest by asking what they are drawing.
Answer: That looks intricate, __________?
Solution: what are you drawing
Exercise 10: You observe a neighbor tinkering with an engine under the hood of their car. Ask what they are fixing.
Answer: Looks like you’re deep in concentration, __________?
Solution: what are you fixing
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring the following:
- Subjunctive Mood: Using the subjunctive mood to express hypothetical or desired actions.
- Embedded Questions: Incorporating questions about activities into larger sentences.
- Rhetorical Questions: Using questions about activities for emphasis or effect, without expecting an answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “What are you doing?” rude?
No, “What are you doing?” is generally not considered rude. However, the tone and context can affect how it’s perceived.
Avoid asking it in a demanding or accusatory way.
When should I use formal vs. informal phrases?
Use formal phrases in professional settings, with superiors, or with people you don’t know well. Use informal phrases with friends, family, and in casual situations.
How can I improve my English conversational skills?
Practice speaking English regularly, listen to native speakers, and expand your vocabulary. Pay attention to the context and tone of conversations.
Are there regional differences in how people ask about current activities?
Yes, there can be regional variations in the phrases and expressions used. Some phrases may be more common in certain areas or countries than others.
How do I respond when someone asks me “What are you doing?”
Provide a brief and honest answer about your current activity. You can also ask the person what they are doing to continue the conversation.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “What are you doing?” can significantly enhance your English conversational skills. By considering the context, formality, and your relationship with the other person, you can choose the most appropriate and engaging phrase.
Practice using these alternatives in your daily conversations to improve your fluency and make your English sound more natural and expressive. Remember, language is a tool for connection and understanding, so use it creatively and thoughtfully.