Common Mistakes : How

conjunction

?BAD: Could you describe how the driver looks like
?GOOD: Could you describe what the driver looks like

?BAD: How is Christmas in France
?GOOD: What is Christmas like in France

?BAD: How do the new shoes feel like
?GOOD: What do the new shoes feel like

When you ask for or give a description of someone or something, use what … like NOT how
?What’s your new English teacher like
.This drawing gives you an idea of what the new shopping complex will look like
?What does it feel like to win an Olympic gold medal
?What do the apples taste like

.BAD: I realized how much different everybody’s personality is
.GOOD: I realized how different everybody’s personality is

.BAD: I just can’t tell you how much I’m sorry
.GOOD: I just can’t tell you how sorry I am

: (how + adjective/adverb (WITHOUT much
?Did you notice how sad he looked

?BAD: How do you think of the hotel
?GOOD: What do you think of the hotel

?BAD: Should I tell him the truth? How do you think
?GOOD: Should I tell him the truth? What do you think

: (When you ask someone for their opinion, use what … think (NOT how
?What do you think of Ann’s new car

.BAD: Their decision will depend on how good is your offer
.GOOD: Their decision will depend on how good your offer is

.BAD: Please let me know how much is the postage
.GOOD: Please let me know how much the postage is

.In a subordinate clause, the subject and verb do NOT change places
: Compare
?How much did she pay for it
?Do you know how much she paid for it

.BAD: I must tell you how I was pleased to receive a letter from you
.GOOD: I must tell you how pleased I was to receive a letter from you

.BAD: I keep telling myself how I am lucky to have such wonderful children
.GOOD: I keep telling myself how lucky I am to have such wonderful children

: how + adjective/adverb + subject + verb
.I can’t describe how sad I felt
!How clumsy you are
.I was amazed at how fast she was driving

.BAD: We all know how terrible disease AIDS is
.GOOD: We all know what a terrible disease AIDS is

: (what + noun phrase (NOT how
.I’ve been told what a fine chess player you are
!What a stupid thing to say