What is “Why don’t we”? What should we know about “Why don’t we”

The structure "Why don't we" is frequently employed in English to suggest or invite someone to do something together. However, are there alternative phrases or structures beyond "Why don't we"? Let's dive into this topic with PREP in the following article!

I. What is “Why don’t we”? 

The structure "Why don’t we" with "don’t" being the abbreviation of "do not" is used to propose, suggest, or invite someone to do something together with you. For examples:

• Why don’t we go for a walk in the park?
• Why don’t we try that new restaurant for dinner?

The use of "Why don't we" implies a sense of inclusivity and collaboration, inviting others to join in on the suggested activity. It's a versatile phrase that can be used in various social contexts, from making plans with friends to brainstorming ideas in a team setting.

II. The usage of  “Why don’t we”? in English

“Why don’t we” followed by an infinitive verb is quite a simple structure in English. Let’s see the specifics below:

Why don’t + S + V-inf + O?

Examples:

• Why don’t we go to the theater today?
• Why don’t we eat at home?

III. Alternative structures to “Why don’t we”

What other structure is equivalent to "Why don't we"? You can employ three English structures that share the same meaning to "Why don't we," such as "Let's," "How/What about," and "Shall we?" How do these structures work? The below table will provide a comparison between "Why don't we" and "How about, What about," as well as between "Let's" and "Why don't we." Let's explore this together.

IV. Variant of “Why don’t we” – Why not

There is a similar structure to "Why don’t we," and that is "Why not." The usage and responses to "Why not" are similar to those of "Why don’t we." This is also a structure used to suggest, propose, or invite someone to do something and can be used in both the first and second person.

The formula of Why not:

Why not + V-inf.…?

Why not + adverbs of time/ places,…?

Examples:

• Why not go by bus to protect the environment?
• Why not here? 

V. Responses to Why don’t we

We already know how to ask a question by "Why don’t we", so how would one respond to it? Let's refer to the following ways together!

1. Accept

Replying by only “Yes” may result in an unimpressive response. Please take a look at some sentences below for reference:

• It’s/ That’s a good idea. 
• I can’t agree more. 
• It/ That sounds good to me. 
• Let’s do that. 
• I’m up for it. 

You can choose any of the aforementioned responses to interchangeably diversify your way of agreeing.

Examples:

• Why don’t you read my book? ➡ It’s a good idea! 
• Why don’t we have a trip together? ➡ Let’s do that! 

2. Refusing

There are plenty of available answers for you to choose and use when refusing a suggestion in the "why don't we" question.

• I don’t think that’s a good idea. 
• I prefer …
• I’d rather …
• I’m not sure. 
• It’s a good idea, but I think we can’t do it now. 

Examples:

• Why don’t we have a date on the weekend? ➡ I’d rather stay home to watch a movie on the weekend 
• Why don’t you do another task? ➡ I don’t think that’s a good idea 

VI. Exercises on Why don’t we with detailed answers

To help you remember how "Why don't we" works, so you won't have to wonder about the meaning of "What about + V," let's go through some practice exercises together.

Exercise: Rewrite the sentences without changing the meaning of the original sentences with “Why don’t we” structure:

• Let’s shop for some clothes this Friday!
• What about going to the shopping mall tonight?
• Shall we watch movies first and then go for a walk later?
• What about going to the museum?
• Why not try to talk about everything with each other?

Answers:

• Why don’t we shop for some clothes this Friday?
• Why don’t we go to the shopping mall tonight?
• Why don’t we watch movies first and then go for a walk later?
• Why don’t we go to the museum?
• Why don’t we try to talk about everything with each other?

This article has provided PREP's insights into the commonly used "Why don’t we" structure in everyday communication, learning, and work environments. Additionally, we've learned that "Why don’t we" is interchangeable with "Let’s", "How about/What about” and can be replaced by each of the mentioned structures. You can refer to more English structures compiled by PREP. Best wishes for success in your studies and exams!