What is going on? What happened？ What's the matter? What's up?

The English expressions "What is going on?", "What happened?", "What's the matter?", and "What's up?" all refer to asking about a situation or event that has occurred. These phrases are commonly used in everyday conversations to inquire about current happenings or to show concern for someone.

1. What happened?

The phrase "What happened?" is a straightforward and commonly used expression to ask about a specific event or situation that occurred in the past. It can be used in various situations to inquire about the cause or details of an incident. For example:

Example: "I heard there was an accident. What happened?"

2. What has happened?

The phrase "What has happened?" is a slightly more formal way of asking about a past event. It emphasizes that the event has had an impact on the present situation. This phrase is often abbreviated as "What's happened?" in spoken English. For example:

Example: "I haven't seen him in a while. What's happened to him?"

3. What's going on?

The expression "What's going on?" is used to inquire about a current situation or event. It is often used to ask for an explanation or update on a particular matter. This phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts. For example:

Example: "There's a lot of noise coming from your apartment. What's going on?"

4. What's the matter?

The phrase "What's the matter?" is used to express concern or curiosity about someone's well-being or state of mind. It is commonly used when someone appears distressed or upset. For example:

Example: "You look upset. What's the matter?"

5. Is something wrong?

The question "Is something wrong?" is often used to inquire if there is a problem or issue that needs attention. It can be used in various situations to check on someone's well-being or to address a potential problem. For example:

Example: "You seem distant lately. Is something wrong?"

6. What's the news?

The phrase "What's the news?" is a friendly way to ask for updates or information about recent events or developments. It is commonly used in informal conversations to inquire about the latest news or gossip. For example:

Example: "Hey, I haven't seen you in a while. What's the news?"

7. Any updates?

The question "Any updates?" is used to ask for new information or progress on a particular matter. It is commonly used in professional contexts or when discussing ongoing projects or events. For example:

Example: "We haven't heard from the team in a while. Any updates on the project?"

In conclusion, there are several ways to ask about what is happening or inquire about a specific event in English. The expressions mentioned above, such as "What happened?", "What's going on?", "What's the matter?", and others, can be used in different contexts to seek information, show concern, or express curiosity. These phrases are essential for effective communication and understanding in various situations.