Cool MateHow about this vs What about vs Why not
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)
Why not
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most common: How about this
| How about this | What about | Why not | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //haʊ əˈbaʊt ðɪs//🇺🇸 //haʊ əˈbaʊt ðɪs// | 🇬🇧 //wɒt əˈbaʊt//🇺🇸 //wɑt əˈbaʊt// | 🇬🇧 //waɪ nɒt//🇺🇸 //waɪ nɑt// |
| Meaning | A way to suggest or propose something. | A way to ask for someone's opinion on a subject. | A suggestion to consider an idea or action. |
| Example | How about this restaurant for dinner? | What about going to the beach this Saturday? | You should try the new restaurant; why not? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (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 | suggest trying, consider doing, encouragement to |
| 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. | Misusing in formal contexts where other phrases are more appropriate., Confusing with 'why not?' as a question instead of a suggestion. |
| 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. | 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 this vs What about vs Why not
What's the difference between How about this, What about, and Why not?
How about this: A way to suggest or propose something. What about: A way to ask for someone's opinion on a subject. Why not: A suggestion to consider an idea or action.
Which is more common: How about this, What about, and Why not?
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? Why not: You should try the new restaurant; why not?
Can I use How about this, What about, and Why not interchangeably?
Not always. How about this, What 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.