Learn English Suggestions: How About vs. What About

How About vs. What About

When learning English, suggesting plans or ideas is a crucial skill for everyday conversation. Two of the most common and versatile phrases you'll encounter are "How about..." and "What about...". While they are often interchangeable, mastering their subtle differences can make your English sound more natural and precise.

💡 Understanding "How About"

Meaning and Usage

The expression "How about + noun/gerund (-ing)" is a very common, general way to introduce a suggestion, offer an alternative, or ask for someone's opinion on a topic. It is used broadly in both formal and informal contexts.

• General Suggestion: This is its most frequent use. You propose an activity or plan.

• Asking for an Opinion: You can use it to solicit a preference from someone.

Practical Examples

• How about going to the movies this weekend? (General suggestion for an activity)

• How about ordering pizza instead of cooking tonight? (Offering an alternative)

• I'm so tired. How about we take a break for ten minutes? (Suggesting an action)

• How about the new coffee shop downtown? Have you been there? (Asking for an opinion/suggestion about a place)

• We need a dessert. How about the chocolate cake? (Suggesting a specific item)

🔍 Understanding "What About"

Meaning and Usage

The expression "What about + noun/gerund (-ing)" can also be used to make suggestions, but it often carries a slightly more specific nuance.

• Suggestion/Alternative: It functions exactly like "How about" in this context.

• Referencing a Recent Past Event: It is excellent for reminding someone of something that was previously discussed, seen, or mentioned.

• Adding an Additional Point: It's used when you are raising a new or related issue that needs to be considered.

Practical Examples

• What about watching that movie we saw the preview for last night? (Suggestion that reminds the listener of a previous event/preview)

• We've booked the flights. What about the hotel? (Adding an essential, related point)

• You mentioned you wanted Italian food. What about that new restaurant on Elm Street? (Suggesting by reminding the listener of their preference)

• I think we should wear blue shirts. What about John? Does he even own a blue shirt? (Raising an additional consideration/point)

• What about having a picnic this Saturday? (General suggestion, interchangeable with "How about")

Comparative Table: How About vs. What About

This table summarizes the core differences and similarities for quick reference (Source: Cambridge Dictionary).

⚠️ Nuance Alert: Specific Context

The biggest difference between "How about" and "What about" lies in the context of recollection or reminding.

While both can be used for general suggestions:

• A native speaker is more likely to use "What about..." when they are referencing something previously known, seen, or mentioned to prompt a decision.

  • Example: "We need a car rental. What about that website we checked an hour ago?" (Reminding the listener of the specific website seen recently).

• "How about..." is typically used when the suggestion is new or being raised for the first time in the current discussion.

  • Example: "How about checking a new car rental comparison site?" (New, general suggestion).

Etymology: A Quick Note

Both phrases are descendants of earlier, longer question forms like "What do you say about this?" or "How does this suggestion sound to you?" Over time, English naturally shortened these for efficiency in quick, conversational speech, resulting in the versatile and common "How about" and "What about."

Common Idioms/Phrasal Verbs Related to the Topic

To sound more like a native speaker when discussing plans and suggestions, incorporate these related expressions into your English learning routine.

1. To Pencil In 

• Definition: To make a tentative or provisional arrangement for a meeting or event, which may be changed later.

• Context: Informal or professional. Often used when a date isn't 100% confirmed.

• Examples:

  • "Let's pencil in the training session for next Tuesday morning, but I'll confirm the room later."

  • "Can we pencil in a call to discuss the proposal next week?"

  • "I’ll pencil in an appointment with the doctor, but I might have to reschedule depending on my work trip."

2. To Be On Board

• Definition: To agree with a plan, idea, or decision; to be fully involved or supportive.

• Context: Informal/Business. Highly common in professional settings to confirm agreement.

• Examples:

  • "Are you on board with the new marketing strategy?"

  • "That sounds like a great idea. I’m totally on board!"

  • "Before we finalize the budget, we need to make sure the whole team is on board."

3. To Get the Ball Rolling 

• Definition: To start a process or activity; to initiate action.

• Context: Very common and versatile in both casual and professional settings.

• Examples:

  • "We’ve talked about this long enough. It’s time to get the ball rolling on the renovations."

  • "I’ll send out the initial email to get the ball rolling for the project kick-off."

  • "Who wants to volunteer to get the ball rolling by sharing their suggestions first?"

Common Mistakes: 10 Frequent Errors When Using Suggestions

Many English learners confuse the structure and function of these suggestion phrases. Here are 10 mistakes to avoid.

😄 Fun and Practical: Suggesting Weekend Plans

Learning English is all about using it! Here’s how you can casually and effectively use these phrases to suggest fun activities with friends.

• Start the conversation with an engaging opening like: "Hey, any plans for the weekend?"

• How about going hiking at the mountain trail?

  • Practical Use: Use this when you are introducing a brand new, spontaneous idea.

• What about that pizza place your sister recommended?

  • Practical Use: This is perfect for reminding your friend about a specific suggestion they, or someone they know, mentioned earlier.

• How about we just stay home and binge-watch a series?

  • Practical Use: Great for offering a simple, low-effort alternative when the other person seems hesitant.

Quiz: Test Your Suggestion Skills!

Choose the best option to complete each sentence.

1. We've decided on the date. ________ the decorations?

   a) How about

   b) What about

   c) Let's do

2. I'm hungry. ________ getting some tacos?

   a) Let's

   b) What about

   c) We are

3. We need a vacation. ________ a trip to the beach?

   a) How about planning

   b) What about to plan

   c) Plan

4. She suggested a quick meeting. ________ tomorrow morning at 9 AM?

   a) What if

   b) What about

   c) How is

5. I think we should hire a new assistant. ________ the applicants we interviewed last week?

   a) How about

   b) What about

   c) Let's consider

6. It's raining! ________ staying inside instead?

   a) How about

   b) What is

   c) We are

7. We saw a great play advertised. ________ going to see that on Friday?

   a) What about

   b) How is

   c) What if we

8. I've finished the report. ________ emailing it to the boss now?

   a) What to do

   b) How about

   c) What about the

9. This sweater is too big. ________ a smaller size?

   a) How about getting

   b) What about to get

   c) Let's get the

10. The main problem is solved. ________ the small details we forgot?

    a) What is

    b) How is

    c) What about

Answers: 1. b, 2. b, 3. a, 4. b, 5. b, 6. a, 7. a, 8. b, 9. a, 10. c

Real-life Situation: Making Professional Decisions 

Imagine you are in a team meeting trying to decide on the next project deadline.

Professional Context:

• Scenario: A team is struggling to commit to a date for a new product launch.

• Usage:

  • Manager: "I suggest we aim for an early-Q3 launch. How about the first week of July?" (Using How about for a new, general suggestion).

  • Team Member: "July seems ambitious. What about the budget constraints we discussed? We need a clear plan for those first." (Using What about to remind the team of a specific, critical point).

  • Another Team Member: "Okay, let's look at the budget. If that works, how about we pencil in the last week of July, just to be safe?" (Using How about for a general alternative, and pencil in for a tentative plan).

Personal Context:

• Scenario: Planning a birthday gift for a friend.

• Usage:

  • Friend 1: "I was thinking of a gift certificate. How about a gift card to their favorite book store?" (General suggestion).

  • Friend 2: "They already got one of those last year. What about one of those bouquets that looks like flowers but is actually made of money?" (A creative, more specific suggestion, referencing a unique item).

  • Friend 1: "That's a fantastic idea! I’m on board with that!"

Mini Vocabulary Box: Synonyms for "Suggest"

If You Learn Just One: Our Top Recommendation

If you could only master one expression from this entire post, you should prioritize "How about + gerund (-ing)".

Why? Because it is the most versatile, common, and grammatically straightforward way to introduce any suggestion in English, regardless of context (general, alternative, professional, or casual). It is always correct for making a proposal and is easily understood by native speakers in every situation. While "What about" adds a helpful nuance of reminding or referencing, "How about" provides the foundational skill for all suggestion-making in English. Master the structure (How about + -ing), and you will immediately sound more fluent.

FAQ: Deep Dive into Suggestions

🚀 Ready to Suggest Like a Native?

Your Confidence Boost

Learning to use "How about" and "What about" correctly is like unlocking a key door in English fluency. You are now equipped to initiate plans, propose alternatives, and gently remind people of past ideas. The most important lesson is not to fear a small mistake—native speakers understand your intent! Just remember the core rule: use the -ing form of the verb.

In your professional life, you can confidently propose solutions ("How about we try a staggered approach?"). In your personal life, you can easily set up weekend plans ("What about that new Thai place we saw online?").

Don't just read this; use it! Go out there, or message a friend, and use these phrases to make a suggestion today. That's the ultimate key takeaway. Now go get the ball rolling on your new plans!

References & Sources

• Cambridge Dictionary: How about / What about (Keyword-specific page)

• British Council: Ways to make suggestions (Keyword-specific page)

• Merriam-Webster: Definition of "Pencil In" (Keyword-specific page)

• Oxford English Dictionary: Entry for "On Board" (Keyword-specific search result)

• BBC Learning English: Get the ball rolling (Keyword-specific page)

• Walden University Academic Guides: Using Gerunds and Infinitives (Homepage fallback)

• Cambridge Dictionary: Gerunds and Infinitives (Keyword-specific page)

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary (Homepage fallback)

• Oxford English Dictionary (Homepage fallback)

• BBC Learning English (Homepage fallback)