24 Other Ways to Say “What About You”

“What about you?” is a common conversational phrase used to shift attention to someone else, typically inviting their opinion, experience, or current state. When someone says, “I’ve been feeling tired lately—what about you?” they’re not only sharing their own status but also prompting the other person to contribute to the conversation.

While this phrase is widely used in both casual and formal dialogue, having a diverse set of alternative expressions helps keep conversations fresh, engaging, and appropriately tailored to different contexts. This article explores 24 different ways to express the same idea, each offering subtle shifts in tone, formality, or nuance to fit your specific communication needs.

Other Ways to Say “What About You”

1. How about yourself?
   Example: “I’m thinking of staying in tonight. How about yourself?”
   Meaning: This is a polite and slightly more formal variation of “what about you,” often used in friendly or professional interactions where respect or courtesy is emphasized.
   Usage: Suitable for both casual and formal dialogue, especially when maintaining a tone of mutual respect.
2. How do you feel about it?
   Example: “I think we should delay the project. How do you feel about it?”
   Meaning: This expression emphasizes a person’s feelings or opinions about a particular topic.
   Usage: Best used when inviting personal input, especially in decision-making or emotional contexts.
3. What are your thoughts?
   Example: “I’m leaning toward the blue design. What are your thoughts?”
   Meaning: A thoughtful and inclusive way to seek someone’s opinion or perspective.
   Usage: Frequently used in collaborative discussions or brainstorming sessions.
4. Do you agree?
   Example: “I think we should take a break here. Do you agree?”
   Meaning: Asks for confirmation or validation of a statement or suggestion.
   Usage: Common in dialogues where consensus or support is needed.
5. And yourself?
   Example: “I’ve just finished lunch. And yourself?”
   Meaning: A short, reflective alternative that turns the question back to the listener.
   Usage: Often used in polite, light conversation or when mirroring someone’s phrasing.
6. Your turn—what do you think?
   Example: “I believe this option is better. Your turn—what do you think?”
   Meaning: Encourages participation in a discussion, suggesting a back-and-forth rhythm.
   Usage: Perfect for friendly conversations, debates, or group discussions.
7. What’s your opinion?
   Example: “I’m considering canceling the trip. What’s your opinion?”
   Meaning: Directly asks someone to share their view or belief.
   Usage: Used when seeking specific feedback or evaluation.
8. Got any input?
   Example: “We’ve outlined the strategy. Got any input?”
   Meaning: Informally invites someone to contribute their thoughts.
   Usage: Common in relaxed settings like team chats or brainstorming sessions.
9. How does that sound to you?
   Example: “Let’s meet at 3 PM instead. How does that sound to you?”
   Meaning: Asks for feedback or approval of a proposed idea or plan.
   Usage: Used in both casual and semi-formal situations where flexibility is offered.
10. Would you like to share your view?
    Example: “Everyone else has spoken. Would you like to share your view?”
    Meaning: Invites someone to express their thoughts in a gentle, respectful manner.
    Usage: Appropriate in group settings or when encouraging quieter individuals to speak.
11. What do you think about that?
    Example: “We could move the meeting to Friday. What do you think about that?”
    Meaning: Openly asks for someone’s thoughts or stance on a given subject.
    Usage: Works well in both personal and professional dialogues.
12. Any thoughts from your side?
    Example: “I’ve shared my ideas. Any thoughts from your side?”
    Meaning: Indicates a two-sided conversation, suggesting the other party’s turn to respond.
    Usage: Often used in collaborative discussions and planning.

13. Care to share your take?
    Example: “That’s just my perspective. Care to share your take?”
    Meaning: A casual, friendly invitation for someone to offer their viewpoint or opinion.
    Usage: Great for informal discussions where ideas are shared openly.
14. Does that match your thinking?
    Example: “We’re thinking of expanding the offer. Does that match your thinking?”
    Meaning: Asks whether someone’s mindset or opinion aligns with the statement.
    Usage: Useful in conversations where alignment or agreement is being gauged.
15. What would you say?
    Example: “If someone asked you the same question, what would you say?”
    Meaning: Requests a direct response or answer from the other person.
    Usage: Often used in reflective or analytical conversations.
16. Would you agree with that?
    Example: “I think he acted fairly. Would you agree with that?”
    Meaning: Seeks confirmation or consensus, especially after expressing a point.
    Usage: Helpful in debates, group decisions, or when clarifying support.
17. Is that true for you too?
    Example: “I’ve found this process exhausting. Is that true for you too?”
    Meaning: Checks whether another person has had a similar experience or opinion.
    Usage: Ideal for empathetic conversations and shared experiences.
18. How do you see it?
    Example: “The campaign results weren’t great. How do you see it?”
    Meaning: Encourages the listener to offer their interpretation or perspective.
    Usage: Effective in analytical or strategic discussions.
19. Are you on the same page?
    Example: “We’ll push the release to next week. Are you on the same page?”
    Meaning: Asks for agreement or mutual understanding on a plan or idea.
    Usage: Common in teamwork and planning conversations.
20. What’s your side of the story?
    Example: “I’ve heard her version. What’s your side of the story?”
    Meaning: Requests the listener’s narrative or explanation, especially when multiple perspectives are involved.
    Usage: Often used in resolving conflicts or understanding differing opinions.
21. Do you see it differently?
    Example: “I believe we should continue with this method. Do you see it differently?”
    Meaning: Asks if the listener has a contrasting viewpoint.
    Usage: Encourages open and respectful dialogue in decision-making.
22. Anything you’d like to add?
    Example: “That’s what we’ve discussed so far. Anything you’d like to add?”
    Meaning: Provides space for additional thoughts or ideas.
    Usage: Frequently used at the end of meetings or conversations to invite input.
23. What’s going on with you?
    Example: “I’ve had a hectic week. What’s going on with you?”
    Meaning: A casual, friendly way to invite someone to share what’s new or happening in their life.
    Usage: Best used in informal or personal conversations.
24. Wanna tell me how you’re doing?
    Example: “I’ve been okay lately. Wanna tell me how you’re doing?”
    Meaning: Warm, informal, and inviting, this expression emphasizes care and interest in the other person’s well-being.
    Usage: Common among close friends or family in casual dialogue.

When to Use Different “What About You” Alternatives

In Professional Settings

In work environments or formal discussions, phrasing matters. Alternatives like “What are your thoughts?”, “Do you agree?”, or “Any thoughts from your side?” can maintain professionalism while encouraging engagement. These phrases are particularly useful in meetings, reports, and interviews where respectful, thoughtful dialogue is expected.

In Friendly or Casual Conversations

Informal settings invite a more relaxed tone, so phrases like “Wanna tell me how you’re doing?”, “What’s going on with you?”, or “Care to share your take?” feel warmer and more approachable. These versions create ease and deepen personal connections.

In Written or Formal Dialogue

When drafting emails, academic writing, or proposals, consider using “Would you agree with that?”, “Does that match your thinking?”, or “How do you see it?” These alternatives maintain formality while also signaling respect and collaboration.

Conclusion

The phrase “what about you” is a simple yet powerful way to keep conversations balanced and inclusive. But expanding your vocabulary with alternative expressions allows for greater depth, formality, and personalization in your interactions. Whether you’re chatting with a friend, debating in a meeting, or composing a thoughtful email, choosing the right alternative helps keep your language fresh, respectful, and engaging.

For more ways to diversify your everyday speech and improve your communication skills, resources like Thesaurus.com and professional writing guides are valuable tools to explore and reference.

FAQs

What does “what about you” mean?
It’s a conversational phrase used to ask someone for their opinion, experience, or emotional state, usually after sharing your own.

Is “what about you” formal or informal?
It’s generally informal, but many of its alternatives can be used in both formal and informal situations depending on tone and context.

Can I use these phrases in professional emails?
Yes, expressions like “What are your thoughts?” or “Do you agree?” are great for written professional communication.

Is “how about you” the same as “what about you”?
They are similar and often interchangeable, but “how about you” sometimes sounds slightly more polite or casual.