LoginWhat vs. How
Since what and how are considered relative pronouns and interrogative words; there are many important points to know about them.
What Are their Main Differences?
Differences
How They Differ in Their Grammatical Functions
- 'What':
is considered an interrogative pronoun or determiner to ask questions.
- 'How':
is considered an adverb to ask questions.
How They Differ in Their Meanings
- 'What' and 'how':
are used a lot in English. We use them to ask various questions about different things. The only thing which matters to know is that 'what' behaves as a questioner for the actions or things, while how asks for the state or the manner of something, someone, or how they are done.
To Ask about Appearance, General Conditions, and Inner Characteristics
"
The answer to this question would be: " She is kind, friendly, and she has beautiful blue eyes."
The suitable answer to this question can be: " It is rainy and cold."
The answer to this question can be: " She is better and released from hospital."
What Is an Exclamative Clause, or Phrase
- 'Exclamations':
are used in English to show that you are shocked, surprised, or to indicate deep strong emotions. As a result, we have an exclamative clause or phrase. Note that usually there is an exclamation mark at the end of these kinds of clauses and phrases.
Wow!
Similarities
How and What as Exclamations
- 'Exclamatives':
are usually formed by using 'what' and 'how'. They Are both used to show surprise or shock. There is a delicate difference between their structures. So, let us take a look at the table.
| Exclamative with 'what' | what + a noun phrase + verb |
|---|---|
| Exclamative with 'how' | How + adjective |
| Exclamative with 'how' in informal language | How + adjective + verb + subject |
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