how */*/*/

UK [haʊ] / US adverb, conjunction

Summary:

How can be used in the following ways: - as an adverb (introducing a direct or indirect question): How do you spell your last name? ♦ I don't know how the system works. (introducing an exclamation): How I hate the winter! (followed by an adjective or adverb): How old is Peter? ♦ I didn't realize how clever she was. ♦ It's surprising how quickly the weather can change. (before "much", "many", "few", or "little"): How much do you earn? (introducing a clause that is the subject, object, or complement of another clause): How I spend my free time is a private matter. - as a conjunction (connecting two clauses): You can live your life how you want.

1) in what way

a) used for asking or talking about the method of doing something

How can I get from here to Oxford Street?

"We have to get out of this place." "Yes, but how?"

Louis is the only person who understands how the system works.

How they ever made a profit is an absolute mystery.

how to do something:

Would you show me how to send an email?

b) used for asking or talking about the way that someone behaves or the way that something happens

Just tell me how the story ends.

How did she react when you mentioned my name?

c) used for asking or talking about the way in which one thing is different from or similar to another

How does the new program differ from the old one?

I don't see how this crisis is any worse than the one we had last year.

d) used for asking or talking about the way that someone or something looks or sounds

"How do you like your coffee?" "Just a little milk, please."

Cut her hair short if that's how she wants it.

How you look is not so important in radio broadcasting.

I hate how my voice sounds on tape.

e) informal in whatever way

Now I've left school I can dress how I want.

2) used for talking about quantity or degree used for asking or saying what quantity, distance, age etc something is, or to what degree something is true

I wonder how far we've walked today.

How old is your sister?

I soon realized how difficult my job was going to be.

how much/many:

I know how much time is wasted on unnecessary tasks.

How many grandchildren do you have now?

3) used for asking whether something is good used for asking what someone thinks about an experience

How was school today?

How's life in the army?

how did something go:

How did your driving test go?

4) used for emphasis used for emphasizing a particular fact or quality

You know how much I love you.

I was amazed at just how easy it is to shop on the Internet.

How wonderful! This means we can all travel together.

How kind of you to say all those nice things about me!

5) used for introducing a fact used for referring to a particular fact that you want to mention

I remember how they used to have those huge roaring fires in the winter.

Isn't it strange how no one ever mentions his name nowadays?

•

how about...? — spoken used for suggesting what someone may like to do or choose, or for suggesting a time or place that may be suitable; spoken used for asking about another person or thing, in addition to the ones that have already been mentioned; spoken used for asking about another aspect of the situation that you have started to discuss

How about dinner tonight?

How about Friday evening? Would that be convenient?

how about doing something?:

How about joining us for a game of bridge?

How about Philip? Is he coming too?

I'm having coffee. How about you?

How about computer skills? Have you had any special training?

how about that?/how do you like that? — spoken used when you are referring to something that is very surprising, annoying, or exciting

So I'm going to be your new boss. How about that?

how are things/how's it going/how are you doing? — spoken used for asking someone about their progress or their general situation

"How are you doing, Bill?" "Oh, pretty well."

"How are things?" "Much the same as usual."

how are you? — spoken used as a greeting when you meet someone that you know. This phrase is sometimes used for asking someone about their health, but it is usually just a friendly greeting and the speaker does not expect a detailed account of your health

"Hi, Jenny, how are you?" "I'm fine, thanks. How about you?"

how can/could someone (do something)? — spoken used for saying that you think someone's behaviour is very surprising or very bad

How can anyone believe such nonsense?

How could you be so cruel?

how come? — spoken used when you want to know why something has happened or why a particular situation exists

How come you're not at work today?

how do you do? — spoken formal used as a polite greeting when you meet someone for the first time, especially when they have introduced themselves or have been introduced to you

how is someone (doing)? — spoken used for asking about someone's health

How's your father doing? Is he feeling any better?

how so?/how's that? — spoken used for asking someone to explain the reason for the statement they have just made

"If the dam is built, a lot of people will suffer." "How so?"

how much is/are...? — used for asking the price of something

How much was that CD player of yours?

how's that for...? — spoken used for asking someone to notice an example of a particular quality

The papers are all here ready for you to sign. How's that for efficiency?

- and how

See:

mean I