how
adverb /haʊ/
/haʊ/
Idioms - in what way or manner
- How does it work?
- He did not know how he ought to behave.
- I'll show you how to load the software.
- ‘Her behaviour was very odd.’ ‘How so?’
- It's funny how (= that) people always remember him.
- Do you remember how (= that) the kids always loved going there?
- How ever did you get here so quickly?
- used to ask about somebody’s health or how well things are going for them
- How are you?
- How are you feeling now?
- (informal) Hey, how are you doing?
- used to ask whether something is successful or fun
- How was your trip?
- How did they play?
- used before an adjective or adverb to ask about the amount, degree, etc. of something, or about somebody’s age
- How often do you go swimming?
- I didn't know how much to bring.
- How much are those earrings (= What do they cost)?
- How many people were there?
- How old is she?
- used to express surprise, pleasure, etc.
- How kind of you to help!
- How he wished he had been there!
- in any way in which synonym however
- I'll dress how I like in my own house!
Word OriginOld English hū, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoe, also to who and what.
Idioms
how about…?
- used when asking for information about somebody/something
- I'm not going. How about you?
- used to make a suggestion
- How about a break?
- How about going for a meal?
- (especially North American English) How about we go for a meal?
how can/could you!
- (informal) used to show that you think somebody’s behaviour is very bad or are very surprised by it
- Ben! How could you? After all they've done for us!
- Ugh! How can you eat that stuff?
how come (…)? (informal)
- used to say you do not understand how something can happen and would like an explanation
- ‘I think you owe me some money.’ ‘How come?’
- If she spent five years in Paris, how come her French is so bad?
how do you do
- (old-fashioned) used as a formal greeting when you meet somebody for the first time. The usual reply is also How do you do?
how’s that? (informal)
- used to ask the reason for something
- ‘I left work early today.’ ‘How's that (= Why)?’
- used when asking somebody’s opinion of something
- I'll tuck your sheets in for you. How's that? Comfortable?
- Two o'clock on the dot! How's that for punctuality!