Why don't you try a little harder?
Why not try a little harder?
Why don't we try a little harder?
Let's try a little harder.
Let's try a little harder, shall we?
Shall we try a little harder?
How about trying a little harder?
What about trying a little harder?
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Do the sentences above have the same meaning?
1. Why not try a little harder?
2. Why don't you try a little harder?
3. Why don't we try a little harder?
Does #1 mean #2 or #3?
The sentences mentioned above have similar meanings but slight differences in their intended subjects.
1. "Why not try a little harder?" - This sentence is a general suggestion or encouragement for anyone to put in more effort towards a certain task or goal. It does not specify a particular person or group.
2. "Why don't you try a little harder?" - This sentence is addressing a specific individual or the person you are speaking to. It suggests that the person being addressed should make more effort towards something.
3. "Why don't we try a little harder?" - This sentence implies a collective effort or a suggestion for a group of people, including both the speaker and the listener(s), to put in more effort towards a task or goal.
Considering the mentioned sentences, #1 is more similar in meaning to #3, as both sentences are general suggestions not specifying any particular person or group.