# how

/ˈhaʊ/ (US) · /hˈaʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/how
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. asking about manner

adverb · CEFR A1

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

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

- How do you open this window without a handle?
- The investigator questioned how the suspect managed to bypass the security system without triggering a single alarm.

### 2. asking about degree or amount

adverb · CEFR A1

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

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

- How old is your brother and how tall is he now?
- The report details how much the project will cost and how long the construction phase is expected to last.

### 3. asking about health or condition

adverb · CEFR A1

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

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

- How are you feeling after your long flight yesterday?
- The manager asked how the negotiations were progressing after the latest round of proposals.

### 4. the way that

adverb · CEFR A2

the way in which something happens or is done.

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

- I love how she tells stories about her childhood.
- The documentary explains how the ancient civilization managed to transport massive stones across the desert.

### 6. the fact that

conjunction · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

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

### 7. the method

noun · CEFR B2

the way or method of doing something.

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

- The book explains the how and why of digital photography.
- Before we start the project, we need to settle the how of the operation rather than just the when.

## Examples

- How do you open this window?
- The teacher explained how the solar system works using a small model and a flashlight.
- The documentary explores how ancient civilizations managed to transport massive stones across hundreds of miles without the use of modern machinery.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.