Cool MateHow about this vs What about
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
How about this
Top 1,000 (very common)
What about
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: How about this
| How about this | What about | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //haʊ əˈbaʊt ðɪs//🇺🇸 //haʊ əˈbaʊt ðɪs// | 🇬🇧 //wɒt əˈbaʊt//🇺🇸 //wɑt əˈbaʊt// |
| Meaning | A way to suggest or propose something. | A way to ask for someone's opinion on a subject. |
| Example | How about this restaurant for dinner? | What about going to the beach this Saturday? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | how about this idea, how about this alternative, how about this option | What about that, What about this, What about me |
| Common mistakes | Used inappropriately in very formal contexts., Confused with suggestions that require strong persuasion., Omitting the context may lead to confusion about the suggestion. | Confused with 'What about that?' - often used differently in context., Not using it to introduce new topics when needed., Overusing in formal discussions where direct questions are preferred. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used to suggest ideas or options. More casual; not typically used in very formal situations. | Used in conversation to introduce a new topic or ask for opinions. Appropriate in most informal and neutral contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: How about this vs What about
What's the difference between How about this and What about?
How about this: A way to suggest or propose something. What about: A way to ask for someone's opinion on a subject.
Which is more common: How about this and What about?
How about this is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
How about this: How about this restaurant for dinner? What about: What about going to the beach this Saturday?
Can I use How about this and What about interchangeably?
Not always. How about this and What about are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.