En 15 secondes
- Use it to suggest a new idea or a different option.
- Perfect for making plans or choosing items in a shop.
- A polite way to say 'let's try something else' instead.
Signification
You use this phrase when you want to offer a new idea or a different choice to someone. It is a friendly way to suggest something else if the first plan doesn't work.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Choosing a movie with a friend
The horror movie is sold out. How about this comedy instead?
How about this comedy instead?
Ordering food at a cafe
I see you don't like spicy food. How about this salad?
How about this salad?
A business meeting about a deadline
Monday is too early. How about this Friday for the presentation?
How about this Friday for the presentation?
Contexte culturel
In the US, 'How about this' is often used in fast-paced negotiations. It shows you are being 'proactive' and 'solution-oriented,' which are highly valued traits in American business culture. While English speakers use 'How about this' to be polite, in Japan, even this might be too direct in some formal settings. However, among younger people, the equivalent 'Kore wa dou?' is used exactly like the English version. British speakers might use 'How about this' with a bit of 'understatement.' They might say 'How about this?' for a brilliant idea, making it sound like just a small suggestion. In many Arab cultures, hospitality is key. 'How about this' is used frequently by hosts to offer more food or comfort to guests, showing generosity.
The 'Pointing' Rule
If you are pointing at a physical object, always emphasize the word 'this.'
Gerund Alert
Never say 'How about to...'. Always use 'How about -ing.'
En 15 secondes
- Use it to suggest a new idea or a different option.
- Perfect for making plans or choosing items in a shop.
- A polite way to say 'let's try something else' instead.
What It Means
Think of How about this as your magic tool for problem-solving. It is a phrase used to pivot. When you are stuck on a decision, you use it to introduce a fresh option. It is not a command. It is an invitation for the other person to agree or disagree. It feels light and helpful, not pushy or aggressive.
How To Use It
You can use it at the start of a sentence. You can also use it all by itself while pointing at something. If you are looking at a menu, you might point to the pasta and say, How about this? It usually precedes a specific suggestion. You can follow it with a noun or a short description. It is great for keeping a conversation moving forward.
When To Use It
Use it when you are making plans with friends. It works perfectly at a restaurant when you can't decide. Use it in a shop when helping someone pick out clothes. It is also great in a casual office meeting. If a colleague's idea is too expensive, you offer a cheaper one. It shows you are being helpful and collaborative. It is the ultimate 'Plan B' phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very serious or tragic situations. If someone tells you bad news, do not offer a 'new idea' immediately. Avoid using it in extremely formal legal settings. It might sound too casual for a high-stakes court case. Also, don't use it if you are 100% sure of the answer. It is for suggestions, not for stating facts. Using it too much can make you sound indecisive.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, being direct can sometimes feel rude. We love to use 'soft' language to make requests. How about this is a polite way to disagree without saying 'No.' It shifts the focus from the problem to the solution. It reflects a culture that values teamwork and compromise. It is a very 'diplomatic' phrase for everyday life.
Common Variations
You might hear people say How about that? which is slightly different. That usually expresses surprise. You can also say What about this? which is almost identical. In very casual settings, people might just say How 'bout this? to save time. All of these keep the vibe relaxed and friendly. It is a staple of conversational English everywhere.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is very flexible across all levels of formality. The main 'gotcha' is ensuring you have an actual alternative ready to present immediately after saying it.
The 'Pointing' Rule
If you are pointing at a physical object, always emphasize the word 'this.'
Gerund Alert
Never say 'How about to...'. Always use 'How about -ing.'
Softening the Blow
Use this phrase when you disagree with someone to offer a 'gentle' alternative.
Texting Shortcut
In texts, people often just write 'How bout this?' or even 'How bout...'
Exemples
6The horror movie is sold out. How about this comedy instead?
How about this comedy instead?
Suggesting a different genre after a setback.
I see you don't like spicy food. How about this salad?
How about this salad?
Offering a dietary alternative.
Monday is too early. How about this Friday for the presentation?
How about this Friday for the presentation?
Proposing a new date professionally.
Pizza again? How about this new sushi place?
How about this new sushi place?
Suggesting a change in routine via text.
You haven't cleaned in weeks. How about this: you clean, I buy beer?
How about this: you clean, I buy beer?
Using a deal to solve a funny conflict.
I know you're sad. How about this: let's go for a long walk.
How about this: let's go for a long walk.
Gently suggesting a way to feel better.
Teste-toi
Complete the suggestion using the correct form of the verb.
I'm bored. How about ______ (watch) a movie?
After 'How about,' we use the -ing form (gerund).
Which sentence is a natural suggestion in a shop?
You are looking at hats with a friend. What do you say?
'How about this?' is the standard way to suggest an item.
Fill in the missing phrase to complete the dialogue.
A: We can't go to the beach because it's raining. B: ________? We go to the museum instead.
'How about this' introduces a new plan when the first one fails.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You want to suggest a new time for a meeting.
This phrase can be used to suggest times and dates.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesI'm bored. How about ______ (watch) a movie?
After 'How about,' we use the -ing form (gerund).
You are looking at hats with a friend. What do you say?
'How about this?' is the standard way to suggest an item.
A: We can't go to the beach because it's raining. B: ________? We go to the museum instead.
'How about this' introduces a new plan when the first one fails.
Situation: You want to suggest a new time for a meeting.
This phrase can be used to suggest times and dates.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUsually, 'How about that' is used for surprise (e.g., 'He won the lottery! How about that?'). Use 'this' for new suggestions.
Yes, it is very common and professional for brainstorming and offering alternatives.
They are 95% the same. 'How about' is slightly more suggestive, while 'What about' can sometimes feel like a challenge or an objection.
Yes, in writing, it always ends with a question mark because it is technically a question.
Yes! 'We need a new captain. How about this guy?'
No, it is actually a very polite way to suggest something without being bossy.
Yes, 'this one' is very common when choosing between specific physical items like shirts or books.
You would say 'What about that idea we had yesterday?' Use 'that' for things further away in time.
No, it is standard English, though 'How 'bout' is informal.
Yes, if you are showing someone something interesting. 'How about this? I found it in the garden.'
Expressions liées
What about this
synonymAlmost identical to 'How about this.'
How about that
similarUsed to express surprise.
Why don't we
similarA more direct way to suggest an action.
How about no
contrastA sarcastic, slang way to reject a suggestion.
I suggest this
formal formA formal way to offer an idea.
