student asking question

What is the difference between “how about” and “what about”?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Very sharp question! Their meanings are slightly different. "How about" suggest a more expansive range of possibilities to the suggestion, whereas "What about" brings in more of an objection to the table. I'll give a conversation example to help you understand the nuance. A: What are you going to do on Christmas? B: How about watching a movie together? C: That sounds great! A: What about skiing?

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