Hello, fellas. How are you today? In this session we will learn the use of how about and what about.
(More: https://englishtips4u.com/2014/04/24/engtrivia-how-about-vs-what-about/)
The meaning and usage of how about and what about are the same. Both carry the meaning of suggestions or offers. How about and what about precede a noun (or pronoun) or the –ing form of a verb.
Examples:
1) A: We need an additional player.
B: How about (What about) Danny? Let’s ask him if he wants to join.
2) A: What should we do tomorrow?
B: How about (What about) going to the beach?
How about and what about are commonly used in informal spoken English, but are frequently not used in writing.
How about you? and What about you? refer to the information or question immediately preceding them.
Examples:
1) A: I’m hungry. How about you?
B: Yes. I’m hungry too.
2) A: Are you tired?
B: No. What about you?
A: I’m a little tired.
Source:
Betty Schrampfer Azar, Fundamentals of English Grammar: Third Edition
Compiled and written by @fathrahman for @EnglishTips4U on Thursday, November 7, 2019