Explanations + Extra Practice!
4 Sentences you should NOT use.
❌ 1. What’s your problem?
- Why it’s a problem:
This sentence sounds angry or aggressive. In movies or real life, people say this when they are ready to argue or fight.
It doesn’t sound like you’re trying to help. It sounds like you’re blaming the person. - Better option:
✅ “Is everything okay?” - ✅ “What is the problem?”
✅ “What seems to be the problem?”
❌ 2. Do you have a problem?
- Why it’s a problem:
Like the first sentence, this also sounds rude or threatening, especially if you use a strong voice or face. It often means you’re challenging someone or expecting a fight. - Better option:
✅ “Is something bothering you?”
✅ “Is there a problem?”
❌ 3. What’s wrong with you?
- Why it’s a problem:
This question can sound insulting. It means you think the person is doing something crazy, stupid, or bad.
Even if you are joking, the other person might feel hurt. - Better option:
✅ “Are you okay?”
✅ “What’s wrong?”
❌ 4. What’s the matter with you?
- Why it’s a problem:
This also sounds like you’re angry or judging the other person. It’s similar to saying, “Why are you acting so badly?”
It can feel like an attack, not a caring question. - Better option:
✅ “Is something the matter?”
✅ “What’s the matter?”
👂 Why these are dangerous:
These sentences can start arguments, hurt someone’s feelings, or create misunderstandings, especially if your voice or face looks serious. Even native speakers avoid them unless they are angry.
Extra Practice!
📝 QUIZ: What NOT to Say in Real-Life English
Title: “Dangerous Sentences: Choose the Better Option”
Instructions: Read each question carefully. Choose the best and most polite way to speak in each situation.
1. Your friend looks sad. You want to help. What should you say?
A. What’s your problem?
B. What’s wrong with you?
C. Is everything okay?
D. Do you have a problem?
✅ Correct answer: C
2. Someone is acting differently, and you’re curious. What’s the best way to ask?
A. What’s the matter with you?
B. You okay?
C. Do you have a problem?
D. What’s your problem?
✅ Correct answer: B
3. Which of these sentences is the most polite?
A. Is something bothering you?
B. What’s your problem?
C. What’s wrong with you?
D. Do you have a problem?
✅ Correct answer: A
4. You want to start a friendly conversation. What should you say?
A. What’s the matter with you?
B. You look terrible—what’s wrong with you?
C. You seem upset—what happened?
D. Do you want to fight?
✅ Correct answer: C
5. Which sentence could sound rude or like you want to argue?
A. What’s going on?
B. What’s your problem?
C. Are you okay?
D. Is something the matter?
✅ Correct answer: B
🎯 QUIZ: Which Sentence is Correct?
Title: “One Word Can Change Everything in English!”
Instructions: Each question shows four similar sentences. Choose the correct and natural one for real-life English. Watch the word order and grammar carefully!
1. You want to ask someone what’s going on politely. Which is correct?
A. What is your problem?
B. What problem?
C. What is the problem?
D. What is your the problem?
✅ Correct answer: C
📝 “What is the problem?” is polite and correct. “What is your problem?” sounds rude. “What is your the problem?” is grammatically wrong.
2. Your friend seems upset. What should you say?
A. What’s wrong with you?
B. What’s wrong?
C. What’s wrong to you?
D. What wrong?
✅ Correct answer: B
📝 “What’s wrong?” is polite and common. “What’s wrong with you?” is often rude. The others are incorrect English.
3. You want to know if something is bothering someone. Which one is best?
A. Do you have a problem?
B. Are you have a problem?
C. Is there a problem?
D. Is it a problem?
✅ Correct answer: C
📝 Only C has the correct grammar. “Do you have a problem?” Be careful—this sounds rude!
4. Your classmate is acting strangely. What’s a polite way to ask?
A. What’s the matter with you?
B. What is the matter with you?
C. What’s the matter?
D. What’s matter?
✅ Correct answer: C
📝 “What’s the matter?” is the most polite and neutral. The others are either too direct, too formal, or grammatically incorrect.
5. Someone is clearly upset. Which question sounds helpful, not aggressive?
A. What’s your problem?
B. What’s wrong with you?
C. Is everything okay?
D. You got a problem?
✅ Correct answer: C
📝 “Is everything okay?” is kind and natural. The others sound confrontational or impolite.
🎭 QUIZ: What Should You Say?
Title: “Dangerous Sentences: Choose the Right Response in Real-Life English”
Instructions: Read each short conversation. Choose the most polite and natural thing to say in English. Avoid anything rude or aggressive!
1. Your coworker looks upset. You want to ask politely. What should you say?
You say:
A. What’s your problem?
B. Are you okay?
C. What’s the matter with you?
D. Why are you acting weird?
✅ Correct answer: B
2. A friend is being quiet and looks sad. What’s the best way to ask what’s going on?
You say:
A. Do you have a problem?
B. What’s wrong with you?
C. Is something bothering you?
D. What’s your deal?
✅ Correct answer: C
3. You see your classmate crying. What should you say?
You say:
A. Are you okay?
B. Why are you crying like that?
C. What’s the matter with you?
D. Did someone mess you up?
✅ Correct answer: A
4. A person is acting strange, and you want to ask about it in a kind way. What should you say?
You say:
A. What’s wrong with you today?
B. Is something the matter?
C. What’s going on with you, seriously?
D. Do you have a problem or something?
✅ Correct answer: B
5. Someone bumps into you by accident. What’s the polite thing to say?
You say:
A. What’s your problem?!
B. Hey, are you blind?!
C. It’s okay—are you alright?
D. Watch where you’re going!
✅ Correct answer: C
6. You want to check if your friend needs help. What should you say?
You say:
A. Can I help you with something?
B. What’s wrong with you now?
C. Do you have a problem again?
D. Why are you always like this?
✅ Correct answer: A