Speaking · Free lesson
Why don’t we…? Suggest a shared plan
You and a friend need to choose a place and time to talk. Offer one workable idea instead of leaving the plan vague.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
“Why don’t we meet after lunch?” suggests a plan for both people. Use the base verb meet, not meeting or to meet. Give the other person room to accept or suggest an alternative.
Include yourself in a clear proposal.
In this planning context, why don’t we is a suggestion, not a demand for an explanation. We includes the speaker and listener. Add a base verb and a useful detail. A suggestion is not a decision both people have already accepted.
Compare the examples
Why don’t we meet?
Why don’t we meet at one?
Could we meet at two instead?
“Could you book a table?” asks the other person to act. “Why don’t we book a table?” proposes a shared plan.
Build the meaning step by step
Offer one specific idea
Why don’t we meet at the cafe at one?
Confirm the agreed alternative
Two works for me. See you then.
Try it now
Make the suggestion clear
Read all answers and explanations
Choose the natural suggestion.
Why don’t we meet after lunch?Use why don’t we followed by the base verb meet.
You want to propose an activity for both of you. Which sentence directly does that?
Why don’t we walk there together?We and together include both people. The others request an action from one person or ask about the past.
Your friend suggests two instead of one. You are free at two. Accept that time clearly.
Two works for me.Two works for me accepts the proposed alternative. The others cancel or insist on the original time.
Put it into practice
Agree on a meeting time
Suggest meeting at the cafe at one. You can also meet at two if needed.
- Alex
We still need to find a time to talk.
See a model answer
- Alex
We still need to find a time to talk.
- You
Why don’t we meet at the cafe at one?
- Alex
I’m busy at one. Could we meet at two instead?
- You
Two works for me. See you then.
A successful planning exchange includes the other person’s answer.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Do I have to explain why we have not done it?
Not when it is a friendly suggestion. Respond to the proposed plan. A genuine question about a reason depends on context.
Why don’t we take a short break? — Good idea.
Which verb form follows Why don’t we?
Use the base form: meet, try or take. Do not add to or an -ing ending in this suggestion pattern.
Why don’t we meet at six?
Take it into your day
Why don’t we + base verb proposes a shared action; agreement still needs a reply.
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