how

Pluralhows, how's

1. 1
   procedureadverbinterrogative

   In what way or manner, or by what means or method, in direct and indirect questions; often with to.

   Do you know how to change a tire?

   How can we reach them without a phone?

   UsageHow to change a tire. Indirect questions keep normal order: tell me how it works (not incorrect: tell me how does it work).

2. 2
   degreeadverbinterrogative

   To what degree or extent, before an adjective or adverb.

   How far is the station from here?

   Nobody knew how long the strike would last.

   UsagePut the adjective or adverb right after it: how far, how long, how often. Use how much for amounts, how many for numbers.

   Note

   The degree question puts the word before something gradable, such as hot, soon, often or early, and asks for a point on a scale. The same frame also carries concession: in no matter how early I came down, the degree is left open and declared irrelevant. When the answer is felt rather than asked for, the frame becomes the exclamation, as in how very interesting!

3. 3
   current stateadverbinterrogative

   In what state or condition, especially regarding well-being or circumstances.

   How is your mother these days?

   How's the job going?

   UsageHow are you? and how's it going? work as greetings; a short reply such as fine, thanks is expected.

4. 4
   thatconjunctioncolloquial

   Used to introduce a clause, meaning that or the fact that.

   Remember how we used to go there every summer?

   I read how the bridge is closing for repairs.

   Similarthat

   Note

   After verbs of telling, reading or referring, the word reports a fact rather than a manner. She told me how her father was a doctor says only that he was one, not in what way.

5. 5
   adverb

   Used in exclamations before an adjective, adverb or clause to express surprise, delight or other strong feeling.

   How quickly the summer went!

   How I miss the old house.

   UsageUse how with an adjective or adverb: how kind!, how quickly it went! Say what a lovely day! (not incorrect: how lovely day).

   Note

   The exclamation works on two scales. Before an adjective or adverb it marks a degree beyond measuring, as in how very interesting!, and it is close kin to the degree question with the answer already felt. Before a whole clause, as in how I wondered where they'd gone or how England had to fight, it intensifies the event itself. That turn is as much at home in pop lyrics as in sports reporting. Source

   Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 2 facts

   • The example “how I wondered where they'd gone” occurs in pop lyrics, in the Carpenters' “Yesterday Once More”. en.wiktionary.org
   • The example “how England had to fight” occurs in sports reporting. en.wiktionary.org
6. 6
   rhetorical whyadverbinterrogative

   With overtones of 'why', for what reason ('how should I know whether he likes raisins? Ask him!'), usually a rhetorical protest.

   How can they charge so much for a coffee?

   How was I to know the shop was shut?

   UsageOften used with can, could, or should to complain or show annoyance: how could you forget?

7. 7
   adverbinterrogative

   In the way that, or in whatever way, introducing a clause ('that's how it works'; 'people should be free to live how they want').

   Arrange the chairs how you please.

   Spend the money how you see fit.

   Similarhowever

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