How about vs. what about

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Are “how about” and “what about” used exactly the same ways?

Thanks

2

Most of the time, certainly.

I’m trying to think of an example where they aren’t (because I’m sure a few exist) but off the top of my head I can’t come up with one.

3

Hi,

Both expressions are used when you offer a suggestion. Broadly speaking ‘How about doing something?’ is when you put forward an idea as in: How about travelling there by bus?, which is not a very original or positive suggestion. 'What about spending the summer in Canada? suggests an original or a fresh idea that would provoke quite a bit of interest.

Alan.