Meaning & use
what about you
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Used to ask someone the same question they have just asked you, or to ask for their opinion or situation.
Grammar: Stands alone as a short question; it returns a question rather than answering one.
Patterns
- What about you?
- And what about you?
- What about + noun?
I'm free on Friday night — what about you?
She loves spicy food. What about you?
We're thinking of driving there. What about you?
phrasefixed phrase
Used to suggest something or bring up a new idea or possibility for people to consider.
Grammar: Followed by a noun or an -ing form, not by a full clause: 'What about going?' not 'What about we go?'
Patterns
- What about + noun?
- What about + -ing form?
What about the cheaper hotel near the station?
What about asking your sister for help?
What about tomorrow instead of today?
phrasefixed phrase
Used to ask about someone or something not yet mentioned, often showing concern or surprise.
Grammar: Introduces a person or thing into the conversation; the tone can be worried or simply curious.
Patterns
- What about + someone/something?
What about your brother — is he coming too?
The plan sounds fine, but what about the cost?
What about the people who lost their jobs?
Common combinations
- what about you
- I'm tired. What about you?
- what about it
- 'That's my bag.' 'What about it?'
- what about that
- What about that new café on the corner?
- so what about you
- So what about you — any plans for the summer?
- what about the rest of us
- You've had a turn; what about the rest of us?
Synonyms and how they differ
- how about you
- Almost the same in questions, but 'how about' is a little more common when making suggestions.
- and you
- Shorter and more neutral; it repeats the question but sounds slightly abrupt on its own.
Commonly confused: what about you or how about you?
what about you vs how about you
'How about you' and 'what about you' often mean the same, but 'how about' is the usual choice for suggestions: 'How about a coffee?'
Practice
Your friend says 'I don't like horror films.' Which reply asks about your friend's taste in the same way?
Choose one answer.
'What about you?' returns the question about preferences. 'What about it?' asks why something matters, and 'What about to you?' is not grammatical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “what about you”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.