The pattern

"Why don't we" plus a verb makes a suggestion for a group. "Why don't we get pizza?" is not really a question about why; it proposes a plan and invites agreement. It is friendly and relaxed, and it includes everyone, which is why it works for friends, families and teams.

"Why don't you" does the same for one person: "Why don't you ask him?" That one is advice, so it can sound a little pushy; softer versions are "Maybe you could" or "You could always". Answer suggestions with "Sounds good", "Good idea" or "I'd rather..." if you want something else.

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

  6. One person: "Why don't you". An invitation here.

  8. The standard easy yes to a suggestion.

  10. A short, cheerful "yes, let's".

Check yourself

1Is "Why don't we get pizza?" a real question about reasons?
2Which is a natural "yes" to a suggestion?
3Which suggestion is for one person?

Practice · 3 min

Suggest a plan. Prompt on the left, one natural sentence on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.