Asking for information:
* "What is your name?" - This asks for the speaker's name.
* "What are you doing?" - This asks about the speaker's current activity.
* "What time is it?" - This asks for the current time.
Expressing surprise or disbelief:
* "What! You're going to quit your job?" - This expresses surprise at the speaker's decision.
* "What? I can't believe that happened!" - This expresses disbelief in something that occurred.
Referring to something unknown or unspecified:
* "What are you talking about?" - This asks for clarification on the topic of conversation.
* "I don't know what to do." - This expresses uncertainty about a course of action.
* "What's the point?" - This questions the purpose or value of something.
Introducing a clause:
* "What I like most about this job is the flexibility." - This introduces a clause describing the speaker's favorite aspect of their job.
In short, "what" can be used to:
* Ask questions: seeking information or clarification.
* Express emotions: surprise, disbelief, or confusion.
* Refer to something unknown or unspecified.
* Introduce a clause.
The meaning of "what" ultimately depends on its context in the sentence.