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REFERENCE

how

adv. · conj. · n.
US //ˈhaʊ// UK //hˈaʊ// how
  1. 1 asking about manner (adv.)
    A1 Beginner

    you use this to ask in what way or by what method something is done.

    interrogative adverb used to inquire about the manner, method, or means by which an action is performed.

    Example

    How do you open this window without a handle?

    Example

    The investigator questioned how the suspect managed to bypass the security system without triggering a single alarm.
    • in what way
    • by what means
  2. 2 asking about degree or amount (adv.)
    A1 Beginner

    you use this with adjectives or adverbs to ask about the amount or extent of something.

    interrogative adverb used to inquire about the degree, extent, or quantity of a quality or action.

    Example

    How old is your brother and how tall is he now?

    Example

    The report details how much the project will cost and how long the construction phase is expected to last.
    • to what extent
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  1. 3 asking about health or condition (adv.)
    A1 Beginner

    you use this to ask about someone's health or the state of a situation.

    interrogative adverb used to inquire about the physical health, emotional state, or general condition of a person or thing.

    Example

    How are you feeling after your long flight yesterday?

    Example

    The manager asked how the negotiations were progressing after the latest round of proposals.
    • in what state
  2. 4 the way that (adv.)
    A2 Elementary

    the way in which something happens or is done.

    relative adverb used to introduce a clause describing the manner in which an event occurs.

    Example

    I love how she tells stories about her childhood.

    Example

    The documentary explains how the ancient civilization managed to transport massive stones across the desert.
    • the way
  3. 5 the fact that (conj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    used instead of 'that' to talk about a fact or something someone said.

    used as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a noun clause, often replacing 'that' in informal speech.

    Example

    He told me how he'd been working late every night this week.

    Example

    She complained about how the new regulations were making it impossible for small businesses to survive.

    Usage

    In formal writing, 'that' is usually preferred over 'how' for introducing facts.
  4. 6 the method (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way or method of doing something.

    the means or method by which a result is achieved; often paired with 'why'.

    Example

    The book explains the how and why of digital photography.

    Example

    Before we start the project, we need to settle the how of the operation rather than just the when.
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