Page 260 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

Note that English does not have a special expression to ask for ordinal numbers (first, second etc).
It's our wedding anniversary. '" Congratulations. Which one? (NOT •• •-the how mttnyeth?)
6 how-clauses in sentences
How-clauses are common as the objects of verbs like ask, tell, wonder or know, which can introduce indirect questions.
Don't ask me how the journey was.
Tell us how you did it.
f wonder how animals talk to each other. Does anybody know how big the universe is?
How-clauses can also be used as subjects. complements or adverbials, especially in a more infonnal style.
How you divide up the money is your business. (subject)
This is how much I've done since this morning. (complement after be)
I spend my money how I like. (adverbial)
7 the way
The way (see 615) can often be used instead of non-interrogative how. Note that the way and how are not used together.
Look at the way those cats wash each other. OR Look at how those cats ... (NOT ..• the WflY how these eats fIItltfh ...)
The way you organise the work is for you to decide. 0 R How you organise . .. (NOT The way hew}'6lt ergattise ...)
For how co ..., see 286. For however. see 624.
For learn how co ..., see 317. For however, see 49. 157.3. 625.
253 howandwhat••• like?
1 changes: How's Ron?
We generally use how to ask about things that change - for example people's moods and health. We prefer what . .. like to ask about things that do not change - for example people's character and appearance. Compare:
- How's Ron? '" He's very well.
What's Ron like? '" He's quiet and a bit shy. - How does she look today? '" Tired.
What does she look like? '" Short and dark, pretty. cheerful-looking.
2 reactions: How was the film?
We often use how to ask about people's reactions to their experiences. What . .. like is also possibl~.
How was the film? '" Very good. (OR What was the film like . ..?) How's your steak? How's the new job?
how and what ... like? 253
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