How About You vs. What About You: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
'How About You?' often implies a suggestion or opinion, while 'What About You?' is used to inquire about someone's situation or opinion.
Key Differences
How About You?" is typically used when offering a suggestion or seeking agreement on a proposal. It implies a level of curiosity about the other person's preferences or decisions. "What About You?" is more of a straightforward inquiry, often used to seek information about someone else's thoughts or experiences in the context of a previously discussed topic.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
When someone says "How About You?", they might be subtly suggesting an action or choice to the other person. For instance, after expressing their own preference, they might use it to encourage the other person to consider the same. In contrast, "What About You?" is usually more neutral and fact-finding, asking for the person’s perspective or experience without implying a suggestion.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
The phrase "How About You?" can carry an implied suggestion that the other person might want to do something similar to what has been mentioned. It often comes after sharing one's own opinion or choice. "What About You?" is more direct and less suggestive, used to simply turn the conversation towards the other person's viewpoint.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
In terms of tone, "How About You?" can be more personal and engaging, as it often relates to the speaker's own statement or choice. "What About You?" is more objective and can be used in a broader range of conversational contexts, not necessarily relating back to the speaker’s own statement.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
"How About You?" is commonly used in casual, friendly conversations to create a reciprocal dialogue, especially after sharing a personal experience or choice. "What About You?" is versatile, suitable for both casual and more formal interactions, focusing on the other person’s response or opinion.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Implication
Often suggests a choice or opinion
Direct inquiry about the other's situation
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Dec 12, 2023
Usage Context
Follows sharing of own opinion or choice
Used to shift focus to the other person
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Dec 12, 2023
Common Use
In casual, friendly dialogues
Suitable for both casual and formal talks
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
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How About You and What About You Definitions
How About You
Used to ask someone's opinion after sharing yours.
I love horror movies, how about you?
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Dec 05, 2023
What About You
A way to turn the conversation to the other person.
I've shared my plans for the weekend, what about you?
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Dec 05, 2023
How About You
To inquire about someone's preference in a conversation.
I prefer tea over coffee, how about you?
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Dec 05, 2023
What About You
Asking for information regarding someone else’s experience.
I've never been skydiving, what about you?
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Dec 05, 2023
How About You
Asking for someone's perspective following a statement.
I find yoga very relaxing, how about you?
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What About You
Seeking someone's viewpoint on a discussed topic.
We're discussing climate change, what about you?
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Dec 05, 2023
How About You
A phrase to suggest an activity or choice.
I'm thinking of going hiking this weekend, how about you?
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Dec 05, 2023
What About You
Inquiring about someone's opinion or situation.
I've finished my work, what about you?
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Dec 05, 2023
How About You
Inviting someone to share a similar experience.
I've been to Italy last summer, how about you?
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Dec 05, 2023
What About You
To ensure inclusion of the other's perspective.
Everyone has voiced their choice, what about you?
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Dec 05, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "What About You?" a direct question?
Yes, it directly inquires about the other person’s opinion or situation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
What is the tone of "What About You?"
It is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Is "How About You?" used to suggest agreement?
Yes, it can be used to seek agreement or shared interest.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
What does "How About You?" generally imply?
It often implies interest in the other person’s opinion or suggestion for an activity.
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Dec 12, 2023
Can "How About You?" be used in formal settings?
It's more casual; use it in informal conversations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Can "What About You?" be used to gather information?
Absolutely, it's great for gathering others' views or experiences.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Can "How About You?" be used to propose plans?
Yes, it's often used to suggest and gauge interest in plans.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Can "What About You?" be used to change the topic?
Yes, it's effective in shifting the conversation focus.
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Dec 12, 2023
Is "What About You?" suitable for formal interviews?
It can be, depending on the context and how it's used.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Do both phrases show interest in the other's opinion?
Yes, both are used to express interest in the other’s perspective.
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Dec 12, 2023
Is "What About You?" inclusive in group conversations?
Yes, it ensures everyone’s views are considered.
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Dec 12, 2023
Is "How About You?" personal?
Yes, it often relates back to the speaker’s own statement or choice.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Does "What About You?" require prior conversation context?
Typically, it follows a previously discussed topic.
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Dec 12, 2023
Can "What About You?" be rhetorical?
Sometimes, depending on the tone and context.
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Dec 12, 2023
Is "How About You?" good for reciprocal conversations?
Yes, it's ideal for creating a back-and-forth dialogue.
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Dec 12, 2023
Is "How About You?" a way to express empathy?
Yes, it can show empathy by relating to someone’s situation.
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Dec 12, 2023
Can "How About You?" imply a recommendation?
Yes, it can subtly suggest something to the other person.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Are these phrases interchangeable?
While similar, they're not always interchangeable due to their different implications and contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Does "How About You?" need a preceding personal statement?
Typically, it's more effective after sharing one’s own view or experience.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Can "What About You?" be used to show curiosity?
Absolutely, it's great for expressing genuine curiosity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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