Overview
The lecture explains how to use "How about we" and "Why don't we" to make suggestions in English, including their meaning, structure, examples, and pronunciation tips.
Making Suggestions in English
- "How about we" and "Why don't we" are common ways to make suggestions in English.
- Both phrases mean the same as "I think we should."
- Use them when you want to propose an idea or plan to others.
- These questions are often used when making plans with someone.
Example Scenarios
- If you want takeout instead of cooking, say: "How about we order takeout?" or "Why don't we order takeout?"
- When planning holidays, you can say: "How about we see your parents on Christmas Eve and mine on Christmas Day?"
- If plans change, suggest alternatives such as: "How about we come visit on New Year's Eve?"
Grammar and Structure
- "Why don't" requires a pronoun after it (e.g., "Why don't we," "Why don't you").
- "How about" can include a person ("How about we") or omit it ("How about chicken?").
- With "How about," you can suggest an activity or item directly (e.g., "How about tacos?").
Pronunciation Tips
- In fast speech, "How about we" often sounds like "How'bout we."
- "Why don't we" can sound like "Why-don't we" or even "Why'nt we" when said quickly.
- Americans commonly blend these words together in conversation.
Quick Review
- Use "How about" and "Why don't" to make polite suggestions.
- Both phrases are used frequently in everyday speech, especially when making plans.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Suggestion — proposing an idea or plan for consideration.
- Pronoun — a word that takes the place of a noun (e.g., we, you, they).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice making suggestions using "How about we" and "Why don't we" in different situations.
- Listen to native speakers and notice how these phrases are pronounced in fast speech.