Have you ever wondered whether to use “how about” or “what about” in a sentence? You might feel like you understand the difference but aren’t completely sure. If that sounds familiar, this post is for you. It will help you clearly distinguish between the two and give you a chance to practice using both with confidence.

What About (+ Ving / Noun)

This phrase has two meanings:

1. It’s used to suggest something or ask for someone’s opinion: 1) What about trying a different approach? 2) What about taking a few days off? 3) What about Lola – Shall we invite her? 4) What about this option – do you like it?
2. It’s used to bring up another idea or topic: 1) I think we should stay home today because you’ve got quite a nasty cold. – But what about the zoo? You said we’d go! 2) That plan sounds good, but what about the budget?

Note that “what about” can make the speaker sound quite concerned in certain situations. For example: 1) Everyone is ready, but what about John? 2) I finished my work, but what about yours? Here the speaker seems to be doing two things – bringing up another topic (John and your work, respectively) and also showing some concern.

How About (+ Ving / Noun)

This phrase is a lot like “what about”:

1. It’s used to suggest something but more directly than “what about”: 1) How about the movies tonight? 2) How about going to the park? (very active suggestions, clearly proposed ideas)

Compare: What about going to the park? (softer than “how about…?”, could be a suggestion or just bringing it up)

2. “How about” is also used when asking someone about a different thing or offering an alternative: 1) You don’t eat meat, do you? How about fish? 2) Let’s eat out. – How about cooking at home instead? 3) How about meeting earlier?

This meaning is quite similar to the second meaning of “what about” (bringing up another idea or topic). However, “how about” is more direct. Compare: How about meeting earlier? (a straightforward, clear suggestion; more natural and common if you mean “let’s meet earlier”). What about meeting earlier? can feel like you’re raising an option rather than clearly proposing it. But “what about” would sound natural in the following contexts: We could meet at 3 or 4. – What about meeting earlier?(you’re introducing another possibility into the conversation), or I might be too tired after work. – What about meeting earlier? (it feels like a solution to a problem).

❗Note that “how about” can be used with subject + verb: How about we try pizza tonight? (= How about trying pizza tonight?) This feels more casual, friendly, and conversational than “How about trying…?”, which is neutral.

Bottom Line

Practice

Complete the sentences with either “what” or “how.” The answer key is provided below the exercise.

1. ___ about going to the movies tonight? I’ve been dying to see “Project Hail Mary”.
2. ___ about trying a different route to avoid traffic? I have a feeling it might be better.
3. We talked about math. ___ about science?
4. ___ about the new schedule – do you think it might work for you?
5. ___ about practicing together tomorrow? I love our joint sessions.
6. ___ about practicing together tomorrow? I love our joint sessions but I understand if you have other plans.
7. We could go hiking. – ___ about going to the beach instead? We might want to take advantage of the weather.
8. ___ about inviting Sarah to join us? She is so much fun.
9. ___ about Sarah? Shall we invite her? – I think it’s be great if she could join us. She is so much fun!
10. So you don’t eat oranges. ___ about lemons? I have some in the fridge.

Answer key 🔑

1. How
2. What
3. What
4. What
5. How
6. What
7. What
8. How
9. What
10. How

We hope this post helped you explore the meanings of these two phrases more clearly. If you still have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.