what about

USAGE SUMMARY

"What about..." is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking a question about a topic or when you are wondering about something. For example, "What about the plans for the picnic on Saturday?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What about ;) ?

The New York Times - Magazine

What about what about what about.

The Washington Post

T: What about enjoy?

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Projecting Matter   what about?

Functional Linguistics

What about the costs?

Desalination

What about review volume?

Journal of Retailing

But what about Israel within?

Religion

What about using dogs?

The New Yorker

What about Dizzee?

Independent

What about alternative techniques?

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

What about MOH?

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what about" to introduce a new aspect of a topic during a discussion, ensuring you're expanding on the conversation rather than derailing it.

Common error

Avoid using "what about" excessively in arguments as it can come across as dismissive or deflective, undermining your position. Try rephrasing to directly address the counterargument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what about" functions primarily as an interrogative adverbial phrase. It is used to introduce a question, suggestion, or redirection in a conversation or text. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what about" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce questions, suggestions, or redirect conversations. Ludwig AI verifies its correctness and wide applicability. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts and can be effectively used across various registers. While alternatives like "how about" and "regarding" exist, "what about" offers a direct and often concise way to expand discussions or challenge assumptions. Avoid overuse in argumentative settings to maintain a constructive tone. Ultimately, understanding its nuances enhances communication and writing effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how about

Replaces "what" with "how", maintaining the interrogative suggestion or redirection, but implies a lighter, more casual tone.

regarding

Shifts the focus to introducing a new subject or aspect, less conversational and more formal.

concerning

Similar to 'regarding', but may carry a slightly stronger sense of worry or importance.

in relation to

More formal and academic, used to connect a new topic to a previously discussed one.

what's your take on

Specifically requests an opinion on a subject, adding a more personal element.

considering

Presents a condition or factor to be taken into account, often used to introduce a counterpoint.

in light of

Emphasizes the influence of a particular fact or situation on the topic at hand.

on the subject of

A more explicit way to transition to a related topic, useful for clarifying changes in subject.

as for

A brief, sometimes dismissive way to introduce a new topic, often implying less importance.

how does that apply to

Directly seeks to connect a concept or statement to a particular situation.

FAQs

How can I use "what about" in a sentence?

Use "what about" to introduce a suggestion or a question related to a topic already being discussed. For example, "We could go to the park. But "what about the weather"?"

What are some alternatives to "what about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "how about", "regarding", or "concerning" to introduce a new topic or suggestion.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "what about"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "what about", especially when asking a question or making a suggestion. It is common in spoken and written English.

How does the tone of "what about" compare to "how about"?

"What about" and "how about" are often interchangeable, but "how about" can sometimes sound more casual and less direct than "what about".