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Thread: What are the differencies between "What about" and "How about"?

 
  1. 05-25-2018 #1
    nabylm
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    Default What are the differencies between "What about" and "How about"?

    Hi, I was wondering when to use "what about" and "How about". Thanks for helping!
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  2. 05-31-2018 #2
    agustinab
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    Default Re: What are the differencies between "What about" and "How about"?

    Hi, nabylm!

    Most of the times they can be used interchangeably, except for two cases:
    a) "How about" is used specifically when you ask someone to give you something
    b) "What about" is used to ask about what should be done about something.

    Here's a very useful link that will explain it better:

    "How about...?" and "What about...?" Are they the same? | Ask The Editor | Learner's Dictionary

    Cheers!
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  3. 05-31-2018 #3
    vicente
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    Default Re: What are the differencies between "What about" and "How about"?

    This is a very interesting question in the area of English linguistics. I agree with Agustina that they can be used interchangeably in most cases but there are some distinct differences in their use in "street language" that are not mentioned in the cited article.

    How about (that): used to express admiration or surprise. "My daughter won the talent contest! How about that!!?"

    Jimmie Johnson, the former coach of the Dallas Cowboys football team, famously exclaimed on national TV: "How 'bout them (sic) Cowboys!!" after his team won the Super Bowl.

    What about (it): used as a challenge as in "Yeah, I did that! What about it!?" It's like asking "Do you have a problem?" Also used to seek agreement, as in "Dad, I'd like to use the car tonight. What (or how) about it?"

    About is often contracted to 'bout.

    How about...: used to to convey an insult like "How 'bout you go to hell!" or "How 'bout you kiss my butt!"

    There is no correct or incorrect way to use these phrases in street talk since they are colloquialisms and are understood by the manner and tone of how they are spoken rather than the way they would/should be written.
    vicente
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  4. 06-07-2018 #4
    nabylm
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    Default Re: What are the differencies between "What about" and "How about"?

    So I guess if someone asks me "how are you doing?", should I use "good, how about you?" or "good, what about you?"?
    Thanks for the help!
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  5. 06-07-2018 #5
    vicente
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    Default Re: What are the differencies between "What about" and "How about"?

    Exactly nablym!
    vicente
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  6. 06-13-2018 #6
    agustinab
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    Default Re: What are the differencies between "What about" and "How about"?

    Quote Originally Posted by vicente View Post
    This is a very interesting question in the area of English linguistics. I agree with Agustina that they can be used interchangeably in most cases but there are some distinct differences in their use in "street language" that are not mentioned in the cited article.
    You're absolutely right, Vicente!

    I missed those but thanks very much for explaining them!!
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  7. 06-13-2018 #7
    vicente
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    Default Re: What are the differencies between "What about" and "How about"?

    Quote Originally Posted by vicente View Post
    Exactly nablym!
    Hola nablym:

    I'm sorry. I did not answer your question because I misread it as a statement.

    You can use either form. In this case they are interchangeable.

    ¿De acuerdo agustina?
    Last edited by vicente; 06-13-2018 at 01:58 PM.
    vicente
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  8. 12-27-2018 #8
    tylerwood377
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    Default Re: What are the differencies between "What about" and "How about"?

    thanks for this information at above replies
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