Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Veravera]

what with this and that
what with one thing and another

What do these two phrases mean?
Do they mean the same thing?
Thanks!

[Mister Micawber]

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Yes, they mean essentially the same:

Taking into consideration various unspecified concerns/events/limitations.
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[Brian Boyd]

Hi Veravera

'What with this and that' ... you use this when talking about various things that aren't important enough to mention.

For example:

"What with this and that, I was late for my job interview."

Maybe her cat was sick on the kitchen floor, she couldn't find her car keys, she had to take an important phone call from her husband or a heavy rainstorm made the traffic bad.

We don't know - she just means that a number of things slowed her down on the way to the interview. You can use 'what with one thing and another' in the same way.

Here's another example:

"What with one thing and another, I completely forgot my sister's birthday!"

He had a lot on his mind - too many things to think about at once. In fact, he had so many silly little things to remember or worry about, he forgot the most important thing that week - his own sister's birthday!

Hope this helps make it clear.

Brian
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Comics for students ...

http://www.grammarmancomic.com

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