What happens in the video
Hana and Theo are choosing a notebook. Hana picks one first and jokes that it "smells smarter" than she is, and Theo asks if she really wants a notebook smarter than its boss. Then Hana asks, "What about this one?" about a plain, calm notebook, and Theo says, "This should do," adding that he'll test it with six pens.
1 What about this one?
Tone Casual suggestion
Use it to point to another choice when someone isn't happy with the first one. It works in shops, restaurants, and online. It's a question, so the other person still decides.
What about this one?
For example:
A: I don't like the color of this bag.
B: What about this one?
A: Oh, that's better.
2 This one looks good.
Tone Friendly and positive
Say it when you see a choice you like. It is positive but not a final decision, so you can still look at other options. Use "sounds good" instead when you are reacting to an idea, not to something you can see.
This one looks good.
For example:
A: Which jacket should I try first?
B: This one looks good.
A: Okay, I'll try it on.
3 This should do nicely.
Tone Calm and decisive
Use it when a choice is good enough for what you need. "Should do" means "will be good enough," and "nicely" makes it a little warmer. It can sound slightly formal, so friends may just say "This'll do."
This should do nicely.
For example:
A: Here's the small room. It has a desk and a window.
B: This should do nicely.
A: Great. I'll get you the key.
4 I'll take this one.
Tone Clear and final
Say it when you have decided, especially when you are buying something. It tells a shop assistant or friend that the choice is finished. Don't use it if you still want to compare options.
For example:
A: We have it in blue and in gray.
B: I'll take this one, the gray.
A: Sure. You can pay over there.
5 Which one do you like better?
Tone Open and curious
Use it to ask someone's opinion about two choices. For three or more choices, "Which one do you like best?" is more natural.
For example:
A: Which one do you like better?
B: The red one. It's brighter.
6 I can't decide between these two.
Tone Honest and undecided
Say it when two options both seem good and you want help. It invites the other person to give an opinion. It is not rude, but don't say it many times if the other person is waiting.
For example:
A: Are you ready to order?
B: Almost. I can't decide between these two.
A: The soup is very popular.
7 I'm not sure about this one.
Tone Polite doubt
Use it to say no gently. It sounds softer than "I don't like it." It works well when someone else suggested the choice and you don't want to hurt their feelings.
For example:
A: What about this lamp?
B: Hmm, I'm not sure about this one.
A: Okay, let's keep looking.
8 Let's go with this one.
Tone Decisive and shared
Use it when a group or a pair makes a decision together. "Go with" means "choose." It sounds natural at work and with friends.
For example:
A: So, the plain cover or the one with flowers?
B: Let's go with this one. It's simple.
A: Agreed.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
How about this?Better What about this one?
"How about this?" is also correct, but "this one" tells the listener you mean one item from a group. Without "one," it can sound like you mean an idea, not an object.
-
Not quite
This should do nice.Better This should do nicely.
"Nicely" is an adverb that describes the verb "do." "Nice" is an adjective, so it doesn't fit after "do" in this line.
-
Not quite
This one looks well.Better This one looks good.
After "look" with the meaning "seem," use an adjective: good. "Looks well" usually talks about a person's health, not a choice.
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
Your friend doesn't like the first shirt. You point to another one. What do you say?
- What about this one?
- This should do nicely.
- I'll take this one.
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: What about this one? "What about this one?" offers another choice and lets your friend decide.
-
What does "should do" mean in "This should do nicely"?
- It must be perfect
- It will be good enough
- It needs more work
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: It will be good enough "Should do" means the choice will work for what you need.
-
You want to say no politely to a choice your friend suggested. Which line fits best?
- This one looks good.
- I'm not sure about this one.
- Let's go with this one.
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: I'm not sure about this one. This line shows gentle doubt and sounds softer than saying you don't like it.
-
You are at a shop and you have made your final choice. What do you tell the assistant?
- I can't decide between these two.
- Which one do you like better?
- I'll take this one.
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: I'll take this one. "I'll take this one" shows a finished decision, often when buying.
-
What is the tone of "This one looks good"?
- Friendly and positive
- Angry and impatient
- Formal and cold
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: Friendly and positive You say it when you like what you see, and it sounds warm.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between "What about this one?" and "How about this one?"
Both lines suggest another option, and in most everyday situations you can use either one. "What about" can also bring up something that was forgotten, as in "What about the price?" For pointing to a new item, both sound natural.
Is "This should do nicely" formal?
It is a little more formal and polite than "This'll do." You can use it in a shop, a hotel, or at work. With close friends, "This'll work" or "This'll do" sounds more relaxed.
Why do English speakers say "this one" instead of just "this"?
"One" replaces a noun that both people already know, like notebook or shirt. "This one" means "this item from the group in front of us." It makes the choice clearer when there are several similar things.
How do I say I like something but haven't decided yet?
Say "This one looks good." It is positive but open, so you can keep looking. When you are ready to decide, switch to "I'll take this one" or "Let's go with this one."
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Hana and Theo are animated characters made with Google Flow.
