what about/how about

[Anonymous]

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]

[Anonymous]

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]

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.

[Tdol]

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]

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

[Anonymous]

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]

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

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