GRAMMAR: MAKING SUGGESTIONS with WHY DON’T, LET’S and HOW ABOUT

Here are 3 different ways of making suggestions or invitations. The grammar is a little different in each one, so watch the verb!

Why don’t we go to that new Italian restaurant for lunch today?
Let’s go to that new Italian restaurant for lunch today.
How about going to that new Italian restaurant for lunch today?

Note: With WHY DON’T…you must use a person (we, you…) + simple verb
With LET’S, all you need is the simple verb.
With HOW ABOUT, use the ING form of the verb.

Easy, right? Now for a little practice! Change these statements into suggestions with the expression in parentheses.

1. I want to see that new movie with Leonardo DiCaprio (How about)
2. We should drive up the coast to San Francisco. (Let’s)
3. I want to order to pizza tonight. (How about)
4. You and I should take a trip to Las Vegas this summer. (Why don’t)
5. You should get a new car. (Why don’t)
6. We should learn how to ice skate. (Let’s)

ANSWERS:

1. How about seeing that new movie with…?
2. Let’s drive up the coast…
3. How about ordering a pizza…?
4. Why don’t you and I take a trip…? (Or: Why don’t we take…?)
5. Why don’t you get…?
6. Let’s learn how…