Learning Objective: At the end of the session, the students are expected to be able to use in an interactive conversation another way of making suggestions and offers.


Example Dialogues/ Sentences


1. A: We need one more player.


B: How about (what about) Jack? Let's ask him if he wants to play.


2. A: What time should we meet?


B: How about (what about) three o'clock?

Explanation

How about and what about have the same meaning and usage. They are used to make suggestions and offers.


3. A: What should we do this afternoon?


B: How about going to the zoo?


A: What about asking Sally over for dinner next Sunday?


B: Okay. Good idea.


Explanation

How about and what about are followed by a noun (or pronoun), or the -ing form of the verb.

Note: They are used in informal spoken English frequently, but are usually not used in writing.


4. A: I'm tired. How about you?

B: Yes. I'm tired, too.

A: Are you hungry?

B: No. What about you?

A: I'm a little hungry.

Explanation

How about you? and What about you? are used to ask a question that refers to the information or question that immediately preceded.

In example 4;

How about you? = Are you tired?

What about you? = Are you hungry?


Exercise Proper