what about/how about

What is the difference between What about and how about?
My guess is that How about is an invitation or suggestion whereas What about means "let's not forget"
Ex. John: How about going to the cinema?
Mary:What about your exam tomorrow?
John:Oh, I'll study after the movie.
Is there any difference between Despite and In spite of?[/i]

maestra said:

What is the difference between What about and how about?
My guess is that How about is an invitation or suggestion whereas What about means "let's not forget"
Ex. John: How about going to the cinema?
Mary:What about your exam tomorrow?
John:Oh, I'll study after the movie.
Is there any difference between Despite and In spite of?[/i]

Click to expand...

Is there any difference between Despite and In spite of?[/i][/quote]<<

They both mean the same thing. It's fair to say that they can be used interchangeably.

You are correct about the difference between "how about" and "what about".

"how about" This is used to make a suggestion.

"what about" This is used as a reminder about something. It is like saying "Let's not forget about......".

Additionally, I would say it has more of a suggestive quality to it because it is an interrogative.

If we say, "Let's not forget.....", it sounds more like a command. (Actually, I'd say it is.) It's a negated imperative form. (first person plural) It is a stronger sounding statement.

I hope that helps.

maestra said:

What is the difference between What about and how about?
My guess is that How about is an invitation or suggestion whereas What about means "let's not forget"
Ex. John: How about going to the cinema?
Mary:What about your exam tomorrow?
John:Oh, I'll study after the movie.
Is there any difference between Despite and In spite of?[/i]

Click to expand...

I agree with your idea about 'let's not forget', but would say that both can be used to make suggestions. :roll:

tdol said:

maestra said:

What is the difference between What about and how about?
My guess is that How about is an invitation or suggestion whereas What about means "let's not forget"
Ex. John: How about going to the cinema?
Mary:What about your exam tomorrow?
John:Oh, I'll study after the movie.
Is there any difference between Despite and In spite of?[/i]

Click to expand...

I agree with your idea about 'let's not forget', but would say that both can be used to make suggestions. :roll:

Click to expand...

Well, I typed a reply and it somehow brought me back to login. I don't remember what I typed. test.