how

how

W1S1 [hau] adv, conj

[: Old English; Origin: hu]

1.) used to ask or talk about the way in which something happens or is done

▪ How do you spell your name?

▪ How can I help you?

▪ I'd like to help in some way, but I'm not sure how.

▪ He explained how the system worked.

▪ We both used to work at the airport - that's how we met.

how to do sth

▪ I don't know how to get to your house.

▪ Alan showed me how to load the gun.

▪ advice on how best (=the best way) to invest your money

▪ They had a number of suggestions as to how the service could be improved.

▪ This still leaves the question of how local services should be funded.

how on earth/in the world etc

(=used for emphasis when you are surprised, angry etc)

▪ How on earth did you find out?

2.) used to ask or talk about the amount, size, degree etc of something

▪ How big is the state of Louisiana?

▪ How many kids do they have now?

▪ How long have you been learning English?

▪ Do you know how old it is?

▪ They couldn't tell exactly how far away the bridge was.

▪ She wondered how much Angela already knew.

how much?

(=used to ask the price of something)

▪ How much are the tickets?

▪ Can you tell me how much the repairs will cost?

3.) spoken

a) used to ask about someone's health, especially when you meet them

▪ 'Hi Laurie, how are you?' 'Fine, thanks. How are you?'

▪ Has Ros had the baby yet? How is she?

▪ 'How's your ankle this morning?' 'Better, thanks.'

b) used when you meet someone to ask for news about their life, work etc

▪ So how's it going at work these days? Still enjoying it?

▪ ' How are things with you?' 'Fine.'

▪ How are you doing ?

4.) used to ask someone about their opinion or experience of something

▪ How was the film?

▪ 'How's your steak?' 'Mmm, it's good.'

▪ How did your exams go?

▪ How do you feel about seeing Peter again?

▪ How's that? Does that feel comfortable?

5.) used after certain adjectives or verbs to refer to an event or situation

▪ It's amazing how they've managed to get everything finished so quickly.

▪ I remember how she always used to have fresh flowers in the house.

6.) [+ adjective/adverb]

used to emphasize the quality you are mentioning

▪ How lovely to see you!

▪ 'John's been in an accident.' 'Oh, how awful!'

▪ I didn't realize how difficult it was to get tickets.

▪ He was impressed at how well she could read.

7.) old-fashioned or written used to say that something happens to a very great degree

▪ How the crowd loved it!

8.) spoken how about...?

a) used to make a suggestion about what to do

= what about

▪ No, I'm busy on Monday. How about Tuesday at seven?

how about doing sth

▪ How about putting the sofa closer to the window?

▪ How about we have that game when we get back?

▪ How about if we tell the police where Newley is hiding?

how's about AmE

▪ How's about going to the beach this afternoon?

b) used to ask about another person or thing

▪ 'Mary and Ken are still away.' 'And how about Billy?'

▪ I need a long cold drink. How about you?

9.) spoken how do you mean?

used to ask someone to explain something they have just said

▪ 'What's your family situation?' 'How do you mean?' 'Are you married?'

10.) spoken how come? informal

used to ask why something has happened or why a particular situation exists, especially when you are surprised by it

▪ How come Dave's home? Isn't he feeling well?

11.) spoken how do you do?

formal used as a polite greeting when you meet someone for the first time

12.) spoken how can/could sb do sth?

used when you are very surprised by something or disapprove strongly of something

▪ William! How can you say such a thing?

▪ How could anyone be so cruel?

13.) spoken how you like/want

BrE informal in whatever way you like or want

▪ Then you can arrange it how you like.

14.) spoken how about that!/how do you like that!

used when you think something is surprising, rude, impressive etc

▪ He scored two goals! How about that!

15.) spoken how's that for sth?

used to say that you think something is very impressive

▪ I've already arranged everything. How's that for efficiency?

16.) spoken how ... is that? informal

a) used to say that an action or event has a particular quality to a great degree

▪ He sent himself a card for Valentine's Day. How sad is that?

b) used to say that an action or event does not have a particular quality

▪ They say they're not going to leave, but how likely is that?

17.) spoken how so?

used to ask someone to explain an opinion they have given

▪ 'Rick's parents are a little strange, I think.' 'How so?'

18.) spoken how about if...? informal

used to mention something that may happen, and ask what should be done if it does happen

▪ How about if we quit now?

19.) spoken and how!

old-fashioned used to say 'yes' strongly in reply to a question

▪ 'Was Matt drunk?' 'And how!'

→how dare you at ↑dare¹ (2)