When we say “What about you,” we’re showing interest in another person’s thoughts, feelings, or experiences. It’s a simple but powerful way to express care and connection. However, sometimes you might want to sound more personal, warmer, or more professional, depending on the situation. Finding other ways to say “What about you” can make conversations feel more thoughtful and engaging. These alternatives to “What about you” help you express empathy and create deeper, more meaningful communication with others.
What Does “What About You” Mean?
The phrase “What about you” is used when you want to ask someone for their opinion, feelings, or experience after sharing your own. It’s a way of turning the conversation back to the other person to show interest and inclusivity. This phrase helps keep conversations balanced, making others feel heard and valued.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “What About You”?
Yes, saying “What about you” is generally polite and natural in both personal and professional settings. However, in formal conversations or workplace emails, you may choose more refined alternatives like “How do you feel about that?” or “May I ask your thoughts?” These options sound more polished while still showing genuine interest.
List to Say “What About You”
- How about yourself?
- What do you think?
- How do you feel about it?
- What’s your take on this?
- What are your thoughts?
- And you?
- How’s it going for you?
- What’s your opinion?
- How do you see it?
- What’s your perspective?
- What’s your experience been like?
- What do you make of it?
- How’s everything on your end?
- What’s your point of view?
- What’s happening with you?
- How’s life treating you?
- What’s new with you?
- What do you say?
- How do you find it?
- What’s going on with you lately?
1. How about yourself?
Meaning: A polite and friendly way to ask someone the same question or invite them to share their view.
Scenario: Used in both casual and formal conversations to show interest.
Examples:
- I’ve been busy with work lately. How about yourself?
- I love spending weekends at home. How about yourself?
- I’m doing great these days. How about yourself?
- I enjoy reading mystery novels. How about yourself?
- I’m from Canada originally. How about yourself?
Tone: Warm, polite, and conversational.
Explanation: This phrase feels friendly and considerate, often used after someone shares something personal or professional. It creates a sense of mutual sharing and respect in conversation.
2. What do you think?
Meaning: Asking for someone’s opinion or judgment on a matter.
Scenario: Common in discussions, decisions, or feedback sessions.
Examples:
- I believe it’s a good idea. What do you think?
- We could meet tomorrow instead. What do you think?
- This plan sounds reasonable. What do you think?
- I like this design better. What do you think?
- Let’s try the new restaurant. What do you think?
Tone: Curious, engaging, and open-minded.
Explanation: This phrase invites collaboration and values the other person’s thoughts, making conversations feel inclusive and meaningful.
3. How do you feel about it?
Meaning: Asking someone to share their emotions or reactions to a situation.
Scenario: Best used when discussing personal topics or emotional experiences.
Examples:
- I’m nervous about the change. How do you feel about it?
- I liked the outcome. How do you feel about it?
- The meeting went well. How do you feel about it?
- I think it’s exciting news. How do you feel about it?
- I agree with the decision. How do you feel about it?
Tone: Empathetic and sincere.
Explanation: This phrase shows emotional awareness, helping you connect with others on a deeper and more personal level.
4. What’s your take on this?
Meaning: A modern way to ask someone for their opinion or perspective.
Scenario: Perfect for professional or friendly debates.
Examples:
- I think it’s an interesting idea. What’s your take on this?
- The market seems to be changing fast. What’s your take on this?
- I love this new feature. What’s your take on this?
- It’s a complex issue. What’s your take on this?
- We could go either way. What’s your take on this?
Tone: Thoughtful and conversational.
Explanation: This phrase feels natural and respectful, showing genuine interest in another person’s viewpoint.
5. What are your thoughts?
Meaning: Inviting someone to share their reflections or ideas.
Scenario: Used in work settings, brainstorming, or heart-to-heart talks.
Examples:
- I think we’ve covered everything. What are your thoughts?
- The color scheme looks good. What are your thoughts?
- I believe we should wait. What are your thoughts?
- I liked the presentation. What are your thoughts?
- Let’s take a short break. What are your thoughts?
Tone: Respectful and open-ended.
Explanation: It signals that you value the other person’s contribution, creating an equal exchange of ideas and respect.
6. And you?
Meaning: A short and friendly way to turn a question back to the other person after you’ve answered.
Scenario: Common in both casual and polite conversations, often used after sharing something about yourself.
Examples:
- I’m feeling good today. And you?
- I prefer coffee over tea. And you?
- I’m planning to stay home this weekend. And you?
- I had a busy week at work. And you?
- I enjoyed the movie a lot. And you?
Tone: Simple, warm, and conversational.
Explanation: This phrase is brief yet genuine, making it perfect for daily conversations. It shows that you care about the other person’s experience or opinion in a natural and unforced way.
7. How’s it going for you?
Meaning: Asking someone how things are progressing or going in their life.
Scenario: Ideal for check-ins or friendly conversations, especially when someone is in the middle of something new.
Examples:
- You’ve started your new job recently. How’s it going for you?
- I heard about your move. How’s it going for you?
- You mentioned your new project. How’s it going for you?
- I know you’ve been learning guitar. How’s it going for you?
- I heard you joined a gym. How’s it going for you?
Tone: Friendly, caring, and supportive.
Explanation: This phrase adds warmth and shows genuine curiosity about the other person’s progress, making them feel seen and encouraged.
8. What’s your opinion?
Meaning: Asking for someone’s formal or thoughtful viewpoint on a specific topic.
Scenario: Often used in discussions, meetings, or thoughtful debates.
Examples:
- I think the policy could be improved. What’s your opinion?
- This design feels modern. What’s your opinion?
- We’re planning to expand next year. What’s your opinion?
- I believe this approach is better. What’s your opinion?
- I like this suggestion. What’s your opinion?
Tone: Respectful and thoughtful.
Explanation: This is a slightly more formal version of “What about you,” perfect for professional or academic settings where respect and clarity matter.
9. How do you see it?
Meaning: Inviting someone to share their interpretation or viewpoint.
Scenario: Great for discussions where you want someone’s perspective on a situation or idea.
Examples:
- I think the project has potential. How do you see it?
- The results look promising. How do you see it?
- We might need more time. How do you see it?
- I think communication could improve. How do you see it?
- The plan seems ambitious. How do you see it?
Tone: Open-minded and respectful.
Explanation: This phrase helps maintain a calm and intellectual tone, making it great for reflective or problem-solving discussions.
10. What’s your perspective?
Meaning: Asking for someone’s viewpoint, often in a deeper or analytical way.
Scenario: Perfect for meaningful discussions or situations where multiple opinions matter.
Examples:
- We all have different experiences. What’s your perspective?
- I see this issue differently. What’s your perspective?
- This could impact many people. What’s your perspective?
- I’d love to understand better. What’s your perspective?
- The situation feels complicated. What’s your perspective?
Tone: Professional and thoughtful.
Explanation: This phrase feels mature and intellectual, showing that you genuinely want to understand someone else’s insights and beliefs.
11. What’s your experience been like?
Meaning: Asking about someone’s personal journey or real-life experience.
Scenario: Used in emotional or reflective conversations to show empathy and interest.
Examples:
- You’ve been volunteering lately. What’s your experience been like?
- You traveled abroad last month. What’s your experience been like?
- You recently started a business. What’s your experience been like?
- You moved to a new city. What’s your experience been like?
- You joined the new course. What’s your experience been like?
Tone: Warm, caring, and empathetic.
Explanation: This phrase helps create emotional closeness, allowing the other person to open up and share meaningful experiences.
12. What do you make of it?
Meaning: Asking for someone’s interpretation or reaction to something.
Scenario: Best for discussing opinions about news, events, or creative work.
Examples:
- I just read that article. What do you make of it?
- The movie got mixed reviews. What do you make of it?
- Everyone’s talking about the new law. What do you make of it?
- The new policy surprised many. What do you make of it?
- The results came out today. What do you make of it?
Tone: Curious and conversational.
Explanation: It’s an intellectual yet casual way to invite others to share their insights, making them feel included in thoughtful dialogue.
13. How’s everything on your end?
Meaning: Asking how things are going in the other person’s life or work.
Scenario: Common in emails, messages, or conversations to check in politely.
Examples:
- I hope things are well. How’s everything on your end?
- The project is on track here. How’s everything on your end?
- We’ve been quite busy lately. How’s everything on your end?
- I enjoyed collaborating last time. How’s everything on your end?
- Everything’s going smoothly here. How’s everything on your end?
Tone: Polite, professional, and friendly.
Explanation: This phrase is perfect for maintaining relationships and checking in without sounding too personal or intrusive.
14. What’s your point of view?
Meaning: Asking for someone’s unique stance or perspective on an issue.
Scenario: Common in debates, discussions, or thoughtful exchanges.
Examples:
- The topic is quite complex. What’s your point of view?
- I agree with part of it. What’s your point of view?
- Everyone seems divided. What’s your point of view?
- I’d like to understand better. What’s your point of view?
- There’s room for debate here. What’s your point of view?
Tone: Respectful, open, and reflective.
Explanation: It communicates that you respect differing opinions and want to hear their reasoned thoughts sincerely.
15. What’s happening with you?
Meaning: Asking someone what’s new or going on in their life.
Scenario: Used in casual, friendly catch-ups or check-ins.
Examples:
- It’s been so long! What’s happening with you?
- I heard you started something new. What’s happening with you?
- You seem busy these days. What’s happening with you?
- You look happy lately! What’s happening with you?
- We haven’t talked in ages. What’s happening with you?
Tone: Friendly, relaxed, and open.
Explanation: This casual phrase makes conversations feel natural and welcoming, helping maintain strong friendships.
16. How’s life treating you?
Meaning: Asking about someone’s general well-being and how life is going.
Scenario: Perfect for reconnecting with friends, family, or colleagues.
Examples:
- It’s been months since we talked. How’s life treating you?
- You seem happier these days. How’s life treating you?
- Things are hectic lately. How’s life treating you?
- I saw your latest post. How’s life treating you?
- We haven’t caught up in forever! How’s life treating you?
Tone: Warm, caring, and conversational.
Explanation: This phrase adds a touch of warmth, showing you genuinely care about someone’s happiness and overall life situation.
17. What’s new with you?
Meaning: Asking someone to share recent updates or events in their life.
Scenario: Common during catch-ups or casual chats.
Examples:
- It’s been a while! What’s new with you?
- You look great lately! What’s new with you?
- I heard you got promoted. What’s new with you?
- We should grab coffee soon. What’s new with you?
- Haven’t seen you in ages! What’s new with you?
Tone: Friendly and upbeat.
Explanation: A great icebreaker to refresh conversations and show personal interest in others’ lives.
18. What do you say?
Meaning: Asking for someone’s decision, opinion, or agreement.
Scenario: Used when seeking confirmation or collaboration.
Examples:
- Let’s go for a walk. What do you say?
- We could watch a movie tonight. What do you say?
- Want to join the trip? What do you say?
- Let’s try the new place. What do you say?
- I’m planning a surprise. What do you say?
Tone: Inviting, light, and cooperative.
Explanation: This phrase helps build agreement while keeping the tone friendly and casual.
19. How do you find it?
Meaning: Asking for someone’s evaluation or impression of something.
Scenario: Often used after someone experiences or tries something new.
Examples:
- You tried the new restaurant. How do you find it?
- You visited the exhibition. How do you find it?
- You watched the latest movie. How do you find it?
- You’ve read that book. How do you find it?
- You’ve started your new role. How do you find it?
Tone: Curious and polite.
Explanation: This phrase adds a thoughtful touch to everyday questions, showing genuine interest in someone’s experience or opinion.
20. What’s going on with you lately?
Meaning: Asking about recent events or updates in someone’s life.
Scenario: Perfect for reconnecting or catching up after some time apart.
Examples:
- It’s been a long time! What’s going on with you lately?
- I’ve missed our talks. What’s going on with you lately?
- You look busy these days. What’s going on with you lately?
- I saw your recent update. What’s going on with you lately?
- I’ve been thinking of you. What’s going on with you lately?
Tone: Friendly, warm, and curious.
Explanation: This phrase feels natural and genuine, helping revive conversations with old friends or acquaintances in a caring way.
Conclusion
Finding other ways to say “What about you” can completely transform your conversations. Each phrase above helps you sound more thoughtful, kind, and interested, allowing you to connect with others on a deeper level. Whether in daily chats, professional settings, or heartfelt talks, the right words can build stronger and warmer relationships.
FAQs
1. Why is it good to learn different ways to say “What about you”?
Because using different expressions adds freshness, depth, and emotional connection to every conversation you have.
2. Can I use these alternatives in formal settings?
Yes, many options like “What’s your opinion?” and “How do you see it?” are ideal for professional communication.
3. Which expressions are more casual and friendly?
Phrases like “What’s new with you?” or “How’s life treating you?” sound warm and conversational.
4. How can I sound more caring when I ask these questions?
Use a gentle tone, show eye contact, and truly listen when people answer — it shows real care.
5. Are these alternatives useful in texting and emails?
Absolutely! They make messages feel more natural, personal, and engaging — just what modern communication needs.
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