Cool MateHow about vs How's about vs Why not
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
How about
Top 2,000 (common)
How's about
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Why not
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: How about
| How about | How's about | Why not | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //haʊ əˈbaʊt//🇺🇸 //haʊ əˈbaʊt// | 🇬🇧 //haʊz əˈbaʊt//🇺🇸 //haʊz əˈbaʊt// | 🇬🇧 //waɪ nɒt//🇺🇸 //waɪ nɑt// |
| Meaning | What do you think about? | What do you think about this? | A suggestion to consider an idea or action. |
| Example | How about going to the movies tonight? | How's about we go for a hike this weekend? | You should try the new restaurant; why not? |
| Register | Neutral | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | how about dinner, how about a meeting, how about some help | how's about dinner, how's about a visit, how's about a break | suggest trying, consider doing, encouragement to |
| Common mistakes | Omitting the subject after 'how about', Using 'how about' in affirmative statements instead of questions, Confusing with 'what about' in some contexts | Used in formal situations where 'how about' would be appropriate., Confused with other phrases like 'how about that'., Adding unnecessary words like 'how's about that'. | Misusing in formal contexts where other phrases are more appropriate., Confusing with 'why not?' as a question instead of a suggestion. |
| Usage notes | Use in suggestions or proposals. It’s neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid in very formal writing. | Used in casual conversations to propose or suggest an idea, often in friendly contexts. Avoid in formal settings. | Commonly used in casual conversations to encourage someone to try or consider something. Avoid in formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: How about vs How's about vs Why not
What's the difference between How about, How's about, and Why not?
How about: What do you think about? How's about: What do you think about this? Why not: A suggestion to consider an idea or action.
Which is more formal: How about, How's about, and Why not?
How about is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
How about: How about going to the movies tonight? How's about: How's about we go for a hike this weekend? Why not: You should try the new restaurant; why not?
Can I use How about, How's about, and Why not interchangeably?
Not always. How about, How's about, and Why not 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.