what about

[abcdeflearn]

How about going for a swim?

What about going for a swim?

Are these two the same?
thx

[Marius Hancu]

How about going for a swim? [How do you feel about going ...

What about going for a swim? [What are you saying about going ...

As you can see the original meanings (on the right) are different, but the reductions (on the left) mean the same.

Interesting.

[OddThomas]

What about = What do you think about or what do you say about. Otherwise Marius is on the money.

How about? will usually produce a yes or no answer. What about? will probably result in a bit of discussion.

[Marius Hancu]

I agree, better versions than mine.

[abcdeflearn]

Thanks! Marius is on the money.<--- :) I don't understand this expression tho.

[Marius Hancu]

on the money At precisely the right time or place, right on target;

[abcdeflearn]

Thanks again!

[Bridget]

I agree, better versions than mine.

Indeed. Indeed.

[Bridget]

How about going for a swim?

What about going for a swim?

Are these two the same?
thx

They can mean exactly the same.

[OddThomas]

I've given these two expressions more thought.

It seems that what about can ask more in-depth questions, such as What are we/you/she going to do about x? Furthermore, how about can simply ask about one's mood or outlook, like How about those Cardinals [in yesterday's football game]?.

I believe, in general, what about looks for a degree of greater commitment than how about. Where how about asks for a report or a decision, what about ask for a decision or an action, respectively. How about those Cardinals? - just your opinion
How about some pie? - decide yes or no
What about going to see a movie? - let's talk, but decide
What about Billy? - this is a big discussion with action involved. See below.
What do I mean by What about Billy? What about Billy?

Here I need to know something concerning Billy, his circumstances, his relationship to each of us, why this is a matter we need to discuss, why we must take action, and so on. Is Billy our old, sick dog? your homeless brother? the town drunk? my rich uncle who wants to give us money?

As you can see, what about can be a powerful question.

If I ask How about Billy? I would expect a simple answer. A status report; something like, He's fine, or He'll be along in a few minutes, or He's still asleep.

[abcdeflearn]

Omg, OT. Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Grave Digger]

i think that is:

what about better


thnx

[Marius Hancu]

> what about better

Just this, it doesn't work. You need some extra stuff.

[Bridget]

Omg, OT. Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If somewhat subjective.

[Bridget]

what about?

used to suggest something:

What about Lola - shall we invite her?
What about taking a few days off?

----

How about...?

1 INFORMAL used to make a suggestion:

How about the cinema tonight?
How about going to the cimena?

2 used when asking someone about a different thing:

You don't eat meat, do you? How about fish?